By Charmaine Ndlela
The death toll from a scholar transport crash near Vanderbijlpark has risen to 13, the Gauteng Department of Education said on Monday afternoon.
“All information remains preliminary as investigations continue,” the department added.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he was “deeply devastated” by the crash, which occurred at around 7am when a private scholar transport vehicle collided with a side tipper truck on Fred Droste Road.
“It really is a tragic day for us as the Department and the province. We extend our deepest condolences to the learners, families, and school communities affected. We call for greater vigilance when it comes to scholar transports, particularly private scholar transport,” said Chiloane.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said she had learned “with deep sadness” of the crash.
“The Department of Basic Education stands ready to provide psychosocial support to affected learners, educators, and families, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Education,” Gwarube said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a statement in which he addressed the crash and the weekend violence on the Cape Flats.
He said he was saddened by the loss of life of children in both incidents and offered his “deepest sympathies to all families and communities concerned”.
“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and 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.”
The president said national and provincial authorities would provide families and schools with psychosocial support.
INSIDE EDUCATION
