By OBAKENG MAJE
19 January 2026- The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education said it has noted with grave sadness the devastating road accident involving a private scholar transport vehicle, in which the lives of 13 school learners from the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark areas, south of Johannesburg, were tragically lost. The Committee said the tragedy is particularly painful given that schools have only been open for three days in the 2026 academic year.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela said with only three school days so far in 2026, they are already confronted with this immense loss. Maimela said it is deeply heart-breaking that parents who entrusted their children to be safely transported to school will now no longer hear their voices or see their smiling faces.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the parents, families and affected school communities during this unimaginably difficult time. The preliminary reports from authorities indicate that the minibus taxi transporting the learners was involved in a collision with a side-tipper truck. The impact reportedly forced the minibus off the road, resulting in the catastrophic loss of life.
“We also expressed concern for the five other learners who sustained critical injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment. We wish the injured learners a speedy and full recovery and hold them and their families in our thoughts,” she said.
Maimela further emphasised the importance of psychosocial support for affected learners, families, educators and school communities. She urged the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with Provincial Education Departments and relevant stakeholders to ensure that counselling and trauma-support services are urgently made available to help those affected cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the tragedy.
“We call for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The incident once again highlights persistent concerns regarding the safety and regulation of scholar transport vehicles.
“This tragic loss of young lives underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight, enforcement of road safety regulations and accountability within the scholar transport sector. Authorities are expected to intensify scrutiny in the wake of this incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” added Maimela.
Meanwhile, the Foundation for Education and Social Justice Africa activist, Hendrick Makaneta said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Vanderbijlpark this morning, which claimed the lives of 13 learners and left several others injured. The learners, who were from Sebokeng, were being transported to their schools when the scholar transport minibus taxi collided with a heavy-duty truck.
“According to reports, twelve learners died at the scene, while four others were rushed to hospital. Tragically, one of the injured learners later succumbed to injuries. Our thoughts are with all the families, relatives, schoolmates, teachers, and support staff affected by this devastating incident.”
Makaneta said they wish the injured learners a full and speedy recovery. He said this tragedy underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive scholar transport plan to ensure that all vehicles are roadworthy and drivers are properly trained, vetted and qualified.
He said authorities, transport operators and schools must work together to guarantee the safety of learners on their daily journeys. Makaneta said every child has the right to reach school safely and no family should have to endure such pain.
The Guardian 