Sedibeng District Municipality demands stricter scholar transport regulations following tragedy

The Sedibeng District Municipality has joined the provincial government in calling for tougher regulations and greater accountability for scholar transport operators following a devastating accident in Vanderbijlpark.

The call for action follows a horror scholar transport crash on Monday that claimed the lives of 14 pupils. According to police reports, the driver of the scholar transport vehicle—who has since been arrested—attempted an illegal overtake before colliding with a truck.

The impact was catastrophic: 12 learners died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

On Friady, grieving families and mourners gathered at a memorial service in Sedibeng to honour the lives of the 14 learners. Addressing the congregation, Sedibeng District Mayor Lerato Maloka urged all drivers and operators to prioritise the safety of children above all else.

“We support the provincial government’s commitment to toughen enforcement and greater accountability for scholar transport operators,” Maloka said. “We must ensure that it starts with you—that every driver and operator understands the lives of our children are precious.”

The municipality’s stance signals a push for more rigorous oversight of the informal and formal transport sectors to prevent further loss of life on the road.

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