The use of unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles to transport learners to KwaZulu-Natal schools came under the spotlight this week. This follows the taxi crash in Mpendle on 15 September, where 20 learners sustained serious injuries.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Minister of Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has initiated a partnership with the Vehicle Testing Association to ensure taxis and the scholar transport industry comply with high safety standards when transporting school learners.
Duma expressed concern that the driver of the taxi, which plunged off a bridge in Mpendle, seriously injuring 20 learners, escaped the scene of the accident.
Unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles will not be tolerated
“Unfortunately, this is the third accident involving a school learner transport in Umgungundlovu District within four days. Three learners died on Thursday, and others are still in the hospital,” said Duma.
The minister confirmed the partnership with the Vehicle Testing Association, saying: “We have agreed to work together to isolate elements that are operating vehicles without roadworthy certificates and to ensure that those issuing fraudulent certificates are arrested.”
Reminding South Africans that Transport Month will be observed in October, Duma indicated the collaboration would achieve the following:
- Strengthen legislation that regulates the taxi and scholar transport industry to clarify driver vetting, vehicle standards, and operational oversight.
- Enforcing stricter compliance and accountability measures across the province. Supporting transparent reporting and independent audits.
- Replacing the current annual requirement with a biannual Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) for heavy-duty passenger vehicles.
- Ensure taxis undergo testing at accredited municipal or private testing areas within KwaZulu-Natal’s borders.
- Ensure taxis operate within their designated route permits.
