Scholar transport crash: Ramaphosa mourns 13 young lives lost
Thirteen school pupils were killed when the scholar transport vehicle they were travelling in crashed into a truck in Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, Gauteng on Monday.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences after 13 pupils died in a scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, Gauteng on Monday.
Eleven pupils died at the scene on Fred Droste Road while others were taken to hospital. Two more deaths in hospital have since been confirmed by authorities.
Preliminary reports suggest that the driver of the scholar transport vehicle had allegedly tried to overtake several vehicles when his vehicle crashed into a tipper truck. It is alleged that the truck driver tried to swerve to avoid the crash but it was too late and the vehicles collided.
There were emotional scenes at the crash site on Monday where parents gathered for news. The pupils are from both primary and high schools.
The crash occurred during the morning school run on Monday.
Preliminary reports suggest that the scholar transport driver was allegedly trying to overtake a few vehicles when his vehicle crashed into the truck.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
According to preliminary reports, the driver of the school transport allegedly attempted to overtake about four vehicles and collided head-on with a truck in the oncoming lane.
Police have confirmed that detectives are investigating culpable homicide in connection with the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In a statement, Ramaphosa said he was deeply saddened by the deaths of the learners, describing the incident as a devastating loss for families, schools and the country as a whole.
“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets,” Ramaphosa said.
“We must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to ensuring the quality and accountability of scholar transport operators – to protect the lives of learners.”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane, who both visited the crash scene, expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased learners.
Chiloane said that the driver involved in the crash had been reprimanded last week for reckless driving behaviour, raising serious questions about the enforcement and monitoring of learner transport providers.
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, extended its condolences to the loved ones of the 13 learners who died.
The union noted that the accident comes 3 days after schools reopened for its 2026 academic year.
“MISA is concerned about the safety of our learners on the roads,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
MISA calls for justice as parents have lost their children, sending them to school. “No parent deserves to lose their children at such a young age.”
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