GAUTENG AND WESTERN CAPE CRACK DOWN ON UNSAFE SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Mon 13 January 2025:

South Africa – As schools prepare to reopen on 15 January 2025, both Gauteng and the Western Cape have introduced measures to ensure the safety of learners relying on scholar transport.

In Gauteng, MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has warned unregistered scholar transport operators, urging them to comply with operating licensing regulations.

“Our priority is to save lives in the learner transport system. Those scholar transport operators without operating licenses will not be allowed to ferry learners, and those who do can expect the harshest consequences,” she said in a statement on Sunday.

The department has communicated with various transport associations, reminding operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and legally compliant. Law enforcement officials will conduct routine checks, and operators found violating regulations will face severe penalties.

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Free Vehicle Inspections in the Western Cape

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Mobility Department is offering free vehicle safety inspections for scholar transport operators in Cape Town and Beaufort West.

Inspections will take place on 13 and 14 January 2025 at the Gene Louw Traffic Training College in Brackenfell and the Beaufort West Vehicle Testing Centre from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

These free inspections will focus on key safety components, including tyres, brakes, lights, suspension, CV joints, electrical systems, exhaust systems, wipers, and licence discs, ensuring that vehicles are equipped to operate safely and reliably.

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku emphasised that ensuring vehicles are safe and fit for purpose is crucial to protecting learners on the roads. He urged operators to take full advantage of this opportunity to address potential safety issues before they become serious.

“Ensuring the safety of our children begins with the vehicles that transport them every day. This initiative is vital in preventing accidents and breakdowns by addressing potential safety risks before learners return to the classroom … Let’s work together to build a culture of care and accountability in scholar transport.”

written by Thaabit Kamaar

This article originally published in Salaamedia click here