South Africa tragedy: 13 schoolchildren killed in minibus-truck collision near Johannesburg; President expresses anguish
Five other students sustained critical injuries and are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals
PTC Web Desk: At least 13 schoolchildren were killed after a minibus collided with a truck south of Johannesburg, triggering nationwide grief and renewed concern over the safety of school transport in South Africa.
The fatal crash occurred in Vanderbijlpark, an industrial town south of Johannesburg, according to officials from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Five other students sustained critical injuries and are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep anguish over the tragedy, assuring that both national and provincial authorities would provide psychological and emotional support to the affected families and schools.
“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets, and we must do all we can, from observing the rules of the road to ensuring the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars , to protect learners,” Ramaphosa was quoted as saying.
The incident has once again highlighted South Africa’s persistent road safety challenges. Government figures released last week show that 11,418 people died in road accidents nationwide last year. Although the number reflects a six per cent decline compared to 2024, officials acknowledge that fatalities remain unacceptably high.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube also raised serious concerns about the safety of school transport across the country. She said many accidents involving vehicles carrying students are linked to errors by drivers, placing children’s lives at constant risk.
Gwarube noted that such incidents point to deeper flaws in the management and oversight of school transport services. She stressed the need for stricter compliance and greater accountability to ensure that children are transported safely every day.
The minister has urged the Department of Transport to intervene and strengthen regulatory oversight. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy recently said that speeding and driving under the influence remain the leading causes of road accidents, adding that the time has come to reconsider existing laws, including the current legal alcohol limit for drivers.