The devastating minibus taxi crash near Vanderbijlpark that claimed the lives of 13 schoolchildren has sparked nationwide outrage after Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane revealed that the driver involved had been reprimanded for reckless driving just a week before the fatal incident.
The tragic accident occurred on 17 January 2026 along the Golden Highway between Bophelong and Sebokeng in the Vaal. A minibus taxi transporting learners collided with a side-tipper truck, resulting in one of the deadliest scholar transport accidents in recent years. Twelve learners were declared dead at the scene, while another later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Several others remain critically injured.
Speaking from the crash site, MEC Chiloane confirmed that concerns had previously been raised about the driver’s conduct on the road. According to the MEC, the driver had been reprimanded only a week earlier for reckless driving. However, no decisive action appears to have been taken to prevent him from continuing to transport learners.
“This tragedy raises serious questions about communication and accountability among all stakeholders,” Chiloane said. “When a problem is identified, it must be addressed decisively so that it can be mitigated before lives are lost.”
The driver survived the crash and is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard. An eyewitness at the scene alleged that the driver had been driving recklessly, overtaking several vehicles moments before the collision with the truck.
Beyond the immediate circumstances of the crash, Chiloane called for urgent reforms in the regulation of scholar transport vehicles. He described the incident as a dark day for the education department and the province, extending condolences to the grieving families, school communities, and loved ones of the victims.
“We need greater vigilance when it comes to scholar transport, especially private operators,” the MEC said. He added that South Africa must move toward a system where every individual or entity transporting learners is properly registered and monitored, whether operating in the public or private sector.
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In an interview with eNCA, Chiloane also highlighted the broader issue of learners travelling long distances to attend school. He stressed the importance of enrolling children in schools closer to their homes to reduce daily travel risks.
The revelation that the driver had been reprimanded before the crash triggered strong reactions on social media. Many South Africans questioned why the driver was still allowed to transport children despite previous warnings. Some called for criminal charges, while others accused authorities of failing to enforce safety regulations effectively.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also weighed in on the tragedy, issuing a statement shortly after the crash. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the young victims, describing the incident as a heartbreaking loss for the nation. The Presidency confirmed that the president’s thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
As investigations continue, the Vaal taxi crash has intensified calls for stricter oversight, accountability, and enforcement in scholar transport. For many grieving families and concerned citizens, the tragedy stands as a painful reminder that warnings ignored can have irreversible consequences
