Note to Editors: Please note Sakhile Mngadi MPL sound bites in English and isiZulu
– DA calls for joint Education/Transport policy on private learner transport.
– Parents can no longer be expected to use non-compliant informal operators to transport their children due to a lack of alternatives.
– DA to pursue answers and accountability on behalf of all affected parents and learners.
The DA calls on KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka and his Transport counterpart, MEC Siboniso Duma to urgently present a joint policy on private learner transport accreditation in the province, including vehicle inspections, driver vetting and accountability measures.
The call comes after a horrific crash in Waterloo yesterday afternoon, which left 27 young learners injured.
The DA is deeply concerned by this latest road crash, which will have had a lasting and severe impact on these young children. While we are grateful that their injuries were minor, the relevant authorities cannot wait for a tragedy with fatal consequences before taking decisive action.
It is unacceptable that vehicles transporting children – our most vulnerable citizens – continue to operate without proper oversight. Reports that the brakes failed on the minibus involved in this crash raise alarming questions around roadworthiness and driver accountability.
This incident is not isolated. Instead, it is part of a disturbing pattern of accidents involving unregulated and often unsafe scholar transport in our province.
KZN’s Department of Education (DoE) must prioritise the establishment of a formal accreditation system for private learner transport. For too long, parents have been forced to rely on informal operators due to a lack of alternatives, with no guarantee of safety, reliability or compliance with basic standards. This cannot continue.
As part of our province’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) the DA will now push for KZN’s Education and Transport departments to work together and present a joint policy aimed at improving all aspects of learner transport. The safety of our learners can no longer be left to chance.
The DA’s thoughts are with those young learners injured yesterday and their families. We will continue to pursue answers and accountability on their behalf.