President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow and outrage following the tragic deaths of 12 learners who lost their lives in a scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg. The learners were travelling in a minibus taxi that collided with a truck earlier this week, plunging the nation into mourning and reigniting urgent calls for safer learner transport systems across South Africa.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla held in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa said the tragedy was a painful reminder that parents should never have to endure the trauma of burying their own children. He stressed that such loss goes against the natural order of life and is unacceptable in a society that values the protection and development of its young people.
“Children are not meant to be buried by their parents. Children must bury their parents instead,” Ramaphosa said. “We cannot accept that young lives are put at risk in such a horrific way as they seek growth, opportunity, and enrichment through education. This tragedy must not simply pass us by. We must draw lessons from it and act decisively.”
The crash has left three learners still receiving medical treatment in hospital, while families, schools, and communities continue to grapple with overwhelming grief. Candlelight vigils and memorial services have been held in honour of the victims, with messages of condolence pouring in from across the country.
Ramaphosa emphasised that government has a responsibility to intervene more decisively to ensure that scholar transport is safe, reliable, and properly regulated. He acknowledged long-standing challenges within the country’s transport system, particularly the absence of a dedicated and comprehensive public transport solution for schoolchildren.
“We have inherited a system where there has been no real public transport specifically designed to take children to school,” the President explained. “As a result, the taxi industry stepped in and became an essential part of learner transport. While this has helped many children access education, it is now time for government to reassess and strengthen this system.”
He added that government intends to engage directly with taxi owners and drivers to explore practical ways of improving safety standards, compliance, and accountability in scholar transport. According to Ramaphosa, collaboration between government and the taxi industry is essential to prevent further loss of life.
The Basic Education Sector Lekgotla, which takes place annually, brings together education leaders to assess progress and address challenges within the sector. This year’s theme, “Strengthening foundations for a resilient and future-ready education system,” has taken on deeper meaning in light of the Vanderbijlpark tragedy.
As investigations into the crash continue and court proceedings loom for those involved, South Africans are once again calling for stricter enforcement of transport regulations and meaningful reforms to protect learners. For many, Ramaphosa’s words echo a shared sentiment: that no parent should ever have to bury a child simply because they were trying to get to school.