By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A joint funeral for three of 14 learners (Ofentse Vinger, 6, Thato Moetji, 17, and Bokamoso Mokhomo, 12) who died following the tragic Vanderbijlpark crash was held in Sebokeng in the Vaal Triangle earlier today.
Nine funerals were held yesterday, seven in Gauteng and two in the Free State.
The learners died when their scholar transport minibus collided with a truck along the Golden Highway in Vanderbijlpark on Monday.
Twelve learners died on the scene, while five others were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. One learner has since been discharged, while two later died from their injuries.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that the driver of the minibus, Ayanda Dludla, who appeared in court last Thursday, should not have been transporting the pupils as he did not have a Public Driver’s Permit (PDP).
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the tragedy should prompt a review of the pupil transport compliance and traffic law enforcement.
“We come here disturbed. We need to be frank and examine ourselves. We can’t have a system where a road to school should lead our children to a graveyard,” he said.
Lesufi reiterated that pupils attending private and public schools must receive the same quality of education.
“We can’t have a situation where our education system is better somewhere, and our education system is worse somewhere. We can’t have a situation where our parents must choose a school on the basis of a school uniform, not the quality of the teachers that they have.”
“We can’t have a situation where instead of today giving our children graduation certificates, we’re giving them death certificates,” added Lesufi.
Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, advised parents to thoroughly vet scholar transport drivers before entrusting their children’s lives to them.
She urged law enforcement agencies working on the case to leave “no stone unturned”.
“Weigh every bolt and brake pad, examine every logbook and camera. If crimes were committed, prosecute without fear or favour. If systems fail, expose them to the sun, justice is part of healing, and accountability is part of mercy.”
Meanwhile President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent and coordinated action to improve scholar transport safety.
He said government needs to engage closely with all role players to improve safety.
“We cannot accept that young lives are put at risk as they seek the growth and enrichment that an education provides. We cannot let this tragedy pass. We need to act now and we need to act together to ensure that scholar transport is safe and reliable, “the President said.