Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa expressed their shock at the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 12 students on the R553 Golden Highway in Vanderbijlipark, Gauteng, on January 19, 2025.
In response to the, accident Creecy and Hlengwa have directed traffic law enforcement agencies, including the RTMC National Traffic Police, to strengthen their operations across the country with a particular focus on scholar transport.
Creecy said emphasis will be placed on tackling issues such as overloading, vehicle roadworthiness, and speeding within the scope of the department’s 365 Day Road Safety and Arrive Alive programs.
The minister acknowledged that inadequate enforcement in scholar transport has seriously undermined the sector, urging operators and associations, including bus and taxi groups, to improve their standards or face strict legal consequences.
