– DA calls on MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya to prioritise scholar transport safety following yet another scholar transport accident.
– Lax enforcement of traffic laws and scholar transport regulations putting learner’s safety and well-being at risk.
– DA demands stringent implementation of scholar transport regulations and strict compliance to traffic laws.
The DA in Limpopo calls on Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya to prioritise scholar transport safety following a scholar transport crash on the R524 Punda Maria Road near Basani Village, outside Malamulele yesterday .
According to reports received, several learners from a school in the Malamulele area of the Vhembe District are feared to have been injured in a head-on collision involving a scholar transport bus and a bakkie.
While the exact cause and circumstances of the accident remain unknown, the DA calls on the Limpopo Department of Transport and relevant law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash. This investigation should include, but not be limited to, the roadworthiness of the vehicles involved, compliance with scholar transport regulations, and the condition of the road infrastructure.
The province has faced deeply concerning historical challenges with scholar transport, ranging from insufficient scholar transport, late appointment of operators, unsuitable vehicles and alleged scholar transport tender irregularities. A thorough audit of scholar transport vehicles contracted to the department should be carried out to ensure all necessary safety precautions are adhered to.
Government departments and municipalities have both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility to maintain critical infrastructure and ensure that residents receive reliable services that protect the lives and well-being of our children. The safety of learners needs to be prioritised, and accidents like this should be prevented through a stringent compliance to safety measures.
MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya needs to ensure there is greater cooperation with the Department of Transport and Community Safety to ensure the compliance and safety of scholar transport vehicles, including more visible policing and intensifying efforts to impound scholar transport vehicles that contravene traffic laws.
We wish those who were injured a full and speedy recovery, and we hope that the affected families find strength and support during this incredibly difficult time. The DA will continue to fight for a safe, properly regulated scholar transport system and hold the relevant departments accountable.