By Akani Nkuna
Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane has lashed out at the province’s scholar transport system, blaming regulatory failures and systemic shortcomings for the fatal crash that claimed the lives of 14 learners in Vanderbijlpark earlier this week.
“This tragedy did not occur in isolation. It occurred within a system — a scholar transport system that has for too long operated in the shadows,” Chiloane said.
“A system with inadequate oversight, insufficient regulation and no meaningful accountability failed these 14 children. It failed these 14 families, and it must change.”
He warned scholar transport operators that the province would no longer tolerate negligence.
“To scholar transport operators across Gauteng, hear me clearly today: the era of recklessness is over,” he said.
Chiloane was speaking at a memorial service held at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground in Sebokeng, where mourners gathered amid heavy grief and visible anguish following the tragedy that has shaken the Vanderbijlpark community and the country at large.
The MEC urged the public to allow the law to take its course, while stressing that consequences must follow. He referred to the scholar transport driver, 22-year-old Ayanda Dludla, who has since abandoned his bail application following his first appearance at the Vaal Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 January.
“There must be accountability. The blood of these 14 children cries out for justice — and justice they will have,” Chiloane said.
He announced plans for stringent reforms to regulate scholar transport through a three-pronged partnership involving parents, schools and transport operators. Under the proposed framework, operators will undergo rigorous vetting, including roadworthiness inspections and psychological assessments of drivers.
“Our schools will not accept learners transported by private scholar transport unless there are signed contracts between parents, the operator and the school. All three parties must take full responsibility,” he added.
Bereaved families, still grappling with shock and trauma, found the strength to address the congregation of community members, government officials, church leaders and fellow learners. Many spoke of shattered dreams and young lives cut short before they could leave their mark on the world.
Thato Moetji, a Grade 12 learner at Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark who succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, 22 January, was remembered as disciplined, gentle and deeply principled.
“It saddens us that today we mourn a soul taken too soon,” said her relative, Boitumelo.
“She lived with kindness, humanity and faith, touching everyone she met. Pure in heart and disciplined in her life — she was an angel among us.”
An aunt of Lindokuhle Mabasa, a Grade 5 learner at Noordhoek Primary School, said the family was struggling to come to terms with the loss of a child known for her curiosity and love of learning.
“We have suffered a great loss as a family. We had high hopes that Lindokuhle would grow into an exceptional, educated young woman. Even at her tender age, she showed a passion for education,” she said.
The father of Ofentse Jayden Vinger, who had just begun his schooling journey in Grade 1 at Oliver Lodge Primary School, reflected on the pain of a life cut tragically short.
“I had my son outside of marriage, and circumstances meant we lived apart, but we had a good relationship,” he said.
“As young people, we must respect cultural values and listen to our parents. It pains me deeply that my boy is no more. We did not have much time together in this lifetime.”
INSIDE EDUCATION
