Transport Committee sends condolences
The Portfolio Committee on Transport has again called on the Department of Transport to expedite finalisation of the policy on scholar transport following another accident involving school children on a level crossing in Mahikeng.
The Committee Chairperson, Ms Ruth Bhengu, said the policy should prioritise learner safety and driver behaviour.
“It is completely wrong that our children are exposed to death in this manner. The country cannot tolerate a situation where erratic behaviour of drivers results in deaths of vulnerable kids,” she said.
“The Department of Transport should prioritise finalising the process of completely taking over the function of scholar transport from the Department of Basic Education. Transporting children in unsafe bakkies is untenable and could no longer be tolerated.”
The Mafikeng level-crossing accident involving school children is the second in the recent past. Another accident occurred in the Western Cape in 2011 where about 15 children were mowed down by a train near Blackheath.
The Chairperson said the policy should be all encompassing so as to address, not only roadworthiness of vehicles and possession of licences, but also issues of safety, driver competence, and the condition of the roads used to access schools.
“The scholar transport policy should not only be limited to an administration process, rather it should look into safety features of vehicles transporting learners like first aid service and fire extinguishers, as well as user friendliness to learners with disabilities. The mindset of a learner should be geared towards learning if the country is serious about education. We cannot, therefore, subject learners to dangerous and scary conditions and at the same time expect them to perform well in class.
The Chairperson also sent out condolences to the families of the victims involved in an accident between a truck and a bakkie in Kokstad where nine people were reported dead.
“During this time drivers should be vigilant at all times on the road, and ensure their behaviour is beyond reproach,” Ms Bhengu said.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sibongile Maputi
Cell: 079 082 2732
Tel: 021 403 8041
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
