‘Forced to rely on scholar transport’: Family blames school placement system for Vanderbijlpark pupil deaths

The family of one of the 12 pupils killed in the Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash has blamed the Gauteng Department of Education’s school placement system, saying that it pushes parents to send children far from home and leaves them with no option but to rely on scholar transport.

This was said by family spokesperson Lebo Maqekwane, speaking on behalf of the family of Ofentse Jayden Vinger, 6, from Zone 14 in Sebokeng, on Tuesday.

Ofentse, a Grade 1 pupil at Oliver Lodge Primary School, was among 12 children who died on Monday when a scholar transport vehicle was involved in a crash. 

Maqekwane confirmed to IOL News that the family paid R1,000 a month for private scholar transport.

“He was about to turn seven in September,” Maqekwane said. 

“The family is devastated. This should never have happened. It has happened before in this district, and now it has happened again. This is one too many.”

He thanked the police, traffic officials and emergency medical services for their work at the scene.

However, he said senior officials mishandled the presence of grieving families.

“The problem started when senior traffic officials said politicians must be allowed into the scene,” he said. 

“Families had been standing there since the early hours, in shock, while politicians were given access.”

Maqekwane said it was around 11am when families were still waiting for clarity.

“You are carrying a shock in your heart. You see things on social media before you hear anything officially, while people who are not directly affected are taken into the scene. That is something I couldn’t stomach,” he said.

“Politicians are parents too. They should have stood with the parents and allowed police, traffic officers and EMS to do their work.”

He described Ofentse as a vibrant, fearless child who was deeply loved by the community.

“He used to call me Papa Lebo,” he said. 

“He will live forever in our memories. We are still struggling to find peace, but we will honour him through the love and memories he left behind.”

Maqekwana also launched a strong attack on the scholar transport system, calling for it to be abolished in its current form.

“This thing of scholar transport should be abolished,” he said. 

“If a vehicle is licensed to carry 14 passengers, there is no profit unless it overloads, which is illegal. That is how our children’s lives are put at risk.”

He called for specialised permits and dedicated vehicles, such as buses, to transport learners.

“Not just a PDP. There must be a specialised permit and a specialised mode of transport,” he said.

Maqekwane also criticised the Department of Education’s school placement system, saying parents were often forced to send children far from their communities, leaving them with no choice but to rely on scholar transport.

“You are forced to risk your child’s life,” he said. 

“If there is no budget, then build schools. If there is no money for buses, then contract people with the proper capacity.”

Recently, the Gauteng Education Department has reported that 2,700 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners have yet to be placed in schools as authorities continue to struggle to secure spaces for them.

The department said the situation has been worsened by late applications and limited school capacity.

He questioned the absence of scholar transport operators after the crash.

“Where are the people who benefited from this business? Where are they now to show remorse or support?” he asked.

He said politicians should not have prioritised photo opportunities over compassion.

“If I was one of them, I would say I don’t need photos. I would stand with the parents,” he said.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday afternoon, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed that the scholar transport vehicle involved in the crash was operating with an expired Public Driver’s Permit (PDP).

Speaking at a media briefing at the Sedibeng West District Office on Tuesday afternoon, Lesufi said the PDP expired in November last year.

Lesufi was joined by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Sedibeng Executive Mayor Lerato Maloka and Emfuleni Executive Mayor Sipho Radebe.

He said three drivers were involved in the crash: two in a truck and one driving the scholar transport vehicle.

“The truck driver, who was not seriously injured, took himself to hospital and will provide a full statement,” Lesufi said. 

The assistant truck driver was treated and discharged, while the taxi driver was hospitalised and later released.

“The taxi driver has been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon,” Lesufi said.

Police confirmed the driver, aged 22, will appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours on 12 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving.

Lesufi confirmed that all 12 pupils have been identified. 

Five injured learners were admitted to Sebokeng Hospital and two to Kopanong Hospital. 

Two pupils were initially in intensive care, with one since discharged from ICU.

“The loss of life is deeply painful,” Lesufi said. 

“We are mobilising all available support to assist affected families and learners.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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