The tragic scholar transport crash near Vanderbijlpark, which claimed 12 young
lives, has highlighted the urgent need for safe, regulated learner transport in South Africa.
Calls are growing for binding national rules to ensure vehicles, drivers, and operators meet safety
standards. Parents and guardians also play a role in demanding accountability and taking legal
action when children’s safety is at risk.
Today, we speak with legal expert Thabo Masombuka about these rules, enforcement gaps, and
the legal avenues available to protect learners.