By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
19 January 2026- The Gauteng Department of Education said it wishes to confirm that the death toll in the tragic scholar transport incident that occurred on Monday in Vanderbijlpark has risen to 13 learners. The department said at the time of issuing the earlier statement, 12 learner fatalities had been confirmed.
The Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, Steve Mabona said a further learner has since succumbed to injuries, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 13. Mabona said all information remains preliminary as investigations continue.
“The Gauteng Department of Education extends its deepest condolences to the affected families, learners, and school communities during this extremely difficult time,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) President, Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of lives in a collision involving a scholar transport vehicle this morning. At least 13 learners died when the vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark today. Ramaphosa offered his deepest sympathies to all families and communities concerned and said the government will work with citizens and community-based organisations to protect people’s lives in these different circumstances.
“On today’s learner transport tragedy, it is particularly distressing that this incident has taken place on the day the South African Human Rights Commission has published a report on scholar transport in the North West. Our thoughts are with the families, teachers, classmates and friends of the young victims.
“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,” he said.
Ramaphosa said national and provincial authorities will provide families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support.
The Guardian 