The Gauteng education community has been plunged into mourning following a tragic scholar transport accident that claimed the lives of 11 learners and left at least five others seriously injured near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal on Monday morning.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred when a privately operated scholar transport vehicle collided with a truck while ferrying pupils to their respective schools. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where the full scale of the tragedy became apparent, just a week after the reopening of schools in Gauteng.
The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the incident in a media advisory, stating that the scene remained active for most of the day as emergency personnel attended to the injured and began investigations.
“The Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, will be visiting the scene of a tragic private scholar transport incident that took place this morning in the Vanderbijlpark area,” the department said. “Preliminary reports indicate that 11 learners have sadly lost their lives at the scene, while five learners who sustained critical injuries were en route to hospital for urgent medical care.”
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said authorities were still working to verify details. “This is an active scene and emergency services are still attending to the incident. Further verified information will be shared as it becomes available,” Mabona said.
In the middle of growing outrage over scholar transport safety, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport has once again issued a stern warning to operators. The MEC said non-compliant scholar transport vehicles would not be tolerated, stressing that learner safety remained non-negotiable. This is the first fatal scholar transport accident reported in Gauteng just a week into the new school term.
Political parties and members of the public have also expressed shock and grief. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), in a message posted on its official X page, conveyed its condolences to the affected families and communities.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of 11 learners following a tragic scholar transport accident,” the party said. “We stand with the families, schools, and communities in mourning. May God grant comfort, peace, and strength during this difficult time. May all the learners rest in peace.”
Eyewitnesses and South Africans who came across the scene described it as harrowing and emotionally distressing. One witness said the incident had left them traumatised. “That scholar transport and truck accident at Vanderbijl has me traumatized. As a parent, I don’t even want to imagine those poor parents right now,” the witness said.
Another resident alleged reckless driving by the scholar transport driver moments before the crash. “Damn reckless driver. He was transporting kids to school this morning. Tried to overtake many cars. Ended colliding with a truck. Happened this morning in the Vaal, behind the Mittal firm,” the person wrote on social media.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to assess whether the scholar transport vehicle was roadworthy and compliant with safety regulations. The tragedy has once again reignited calls for stricter enforcement of scholar transport laws and greater accountability among private operators.
This is a developing story, and more information is expected to be released as officials confirm further details.
