PEOPLE MUST SHARE THE ROAD - Protecting Our Future

The crash, which occurred on Monday, claimed the lives of 12 pupils who were on their way to school. A 22-year-old taxi driver has been arrested and charged with 12 counts of culpable homicide and reckless driving.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep distress over the recent scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, emphasizing the need to protect learners and ensure safe transportation.

"Our children are the nation's most precious assets, and we must do all we can to protect them," Ramaphosa said, urging vigilance and collective responsibility in safeguarding scholar transport.

The crash, which occurred on Monday, claimed the lives of 12 pupils who were on their way to school. A 22-year-old taxi driver has been arrested and charged with 12 counts of culpable homicide and reckless driving.

The incident occurred when the taxi collided head-on with a truck, leaving five others injured. The driver is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark magistrate's court within 48 hours.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo confirmed the driver's arrest and stated that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. "After police visited hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries, it can be confirmed 12 pupils died at the scene of the accident. Five others were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, and one has since been discharged," Masondo said.

The crash has sparked concerns about road safety and the quality of scholar transportation services. Ramaphosa's call to action emphasizes the importance of observing road rules and appointing quality service providers for scholar transport. "We must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars - to protect learners," he said.

The incident has left families and communities in mourning, with many calling for improved safety measures for scholar transport. "What was meant to be 13-year-old Bokamoso Mokhobo’s first day of high school yesterday turned to tragedy as the teenager died before getting to school when her scholar transport driver collided with a truck while trying to overtake other vehicles," said a witness.

The police are still investigating the crash, and witness statements are being obtained. The truck driver escaped unharmed, while a passenger travelling in the truck sustained injuries and remains in hospital.

As the nation mourns the loss of these young lives, the question on everyone's mind is: what more can be done to ensure the safety of our children on the roads? The Azanian urges all stakeholders, including government, transport providers, and parents, to work together to prevent such tragedies in the future.