Calls for extra vigilance as nation mourns the death of 13 schoolchildren in devastating scholar transport accident

Joy Maimela, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has noted with sadness the devastating road accident involving a private scholar transport vehicle, in which the lives of 13 school learners from the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark areas, south of Johannesburg, were tragically lost. 

Maimela said the tragedy is particularly painful given that schools have only just opened for the 2026 academic year.

“With only three school days so far in 2026, we are already confronted with this immense loss. It is deeply heartbreaking that parents who entrusted their children to be safely transported to school will now no longer hear their voices or see their smiling faces. We extend our sincere condolences to the parents, families and affected school communities during this unimaginably difficult time,” said Maimela. 

Preliminary reports from authorities indicate that the minibus taxi transporting the learners was involved in a collision with a side-tipper truck. The impact reportedly forced the minibus off the road, resulting in the deaths. Maimela also expressed concern for the five other learners who sustained critical injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment.

“We wish the injured learners a speedy and full recovery and hold them and their families in our thoughts,” she said.

The Chairperson further emphasised the importance of psychosocial support for affected learners, families, educators and school communities. She called on the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with provincial education departments and relevant stakeholders, to ensure that counselling and trauma-support services are urgently made available to help those affected cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the tragedy.

Maimela has called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. She said the incident once again highlights persistent concerns regarding the safety and regulation of scholar transport vehicles.

“This tragic loss of young lives underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight, enforcement of road safety regulations and accountability within the scholar transport sector. Authorities are expected to intensify scrutiny in the wake of this incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” said Maimela.

Authorities are urging increased vigilance regarding scholar transport safety. The Gauteng Department of Education has extended its deepest condolences to the affected families, pupils, and school communities during this extremely difficult time.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Education Matome Chiloane visited the scene to assess the situation and offer support to the grieving families.

"It really is a tragic day for us as the department and the province. We extend our deepest condolences to the pupils, families, and school communities affected. We call for greater vigilance regarding scholar transport, particularly private scholar transport," said Chiloane.

In a separate incident on Monday, nine children were injured when their school transport vehicle crashed into a tree near Sarnia Primary School in Pinetown.

"The scene is chaotic. Frantic parents are trying to make their way to the scene. Paramedics are working to stabilise the children, and they will be transported to the hospital for further care," says Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics and Emergency Services.

Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding these heartbreaking incidents.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE