Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education is concerned about the many road accidents involving learners that take place on South African roads, and is particularly saddened by those in which learners have lost their lives.

Committee Chairperson Ms Nomalungelo Gina said the situation cannot be allowed to continue. “Currently there appears to be an increase in the number of such accidents. We appeal to education and transport authorities to ensure the safety of learners. Operators should take care when they are transporting our precious cargo. Vehicles must be roadworthy and be in possession of all permits.”

This week a bus transporting learners from Michaelhouse, a private school in KwaZulu-Natal, was involved in an accident. One learner died and 45 were injured. “The Committee would like to send its condolences to the family, friends and school community of the deceased learner. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We further wish the injured learners a speedy recovery,” said Ms Gina.

In recent months, five learners in died in an accident in the Eastern Cape in June and four learners died when two minibus taxis collided in KwaZulu-Natal in August.

Ms Gina said the Committee is concerned with the welfare of all South African learners, both rich and poor. The Committee would like to appeal to all schools to make sure learners are transported by reputable service providers.
 

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Nomalungelo Gina