Ekurhuleni: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent and coordinated action to improve scholar transport safety following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of pupils travelling to school in Vanderbijlpark earlier this week. The loss of young lives has deeply affected the nation, President Ramaphosa stated while speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 2026 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla in Gauteng.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President expressed his condolences and emphasized the importance of Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube's visit to the grieving families, highlighting the government's compassion. The tragedy has brought the challenges of scholar transport into sharp focus, prompting a reflection on how other countries manage learner transport in contrast to South Africa's current system.
President Ramaphosa noted that other countries utilize dedicated school buses with trained drivers, unlike South Africa's reliance on the informal taxi system for transporting children. He stressed the need for government engagement with all role players to improve safety and expand scholar transport, particularly in rural areas and townships, to ease the burden on children.
While acknowledging progress, the President emphasized the remaining risks and directed relevant ministers to prioritize the safety of children. He underscored the urgency of ensuring scholar transport is safe and reliable, declaring that the tragedy underscores the immediate need for action to safeguard young lives seeking education.
In response to questions about a National Disaster declaration following severe weather and flooding, President Ramaphosa detailed the activation of government systems for a swift, integrated response. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of various departments in addressing disaster damage and ensuring remedial work.
Regarding his absence from the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Ramaphosa cited domestic priorities, including preparations for the Cabinet Lekgotla and the State of the Nation Address, noting that South Africa was well represented at the forum.