Ramaphosa leads mourning of 13 learners killed in Vaal school transport crash

President Cyril Ramaphosa has led the nation in mourning the deaths of 13 learners who tragically lost their lives on Monday morning when a scholar transport vehicle crashed into a truck in the Vaal, South of Johannesburg.

The crash occurred during the morning school run on Monday.

According to preliminary reports, the driver of the school transport allegedly attempted to overtake about four vehicles and collided head-on with a truck in the oncoming lane.

Several other learners were injured and taken to hospital.

Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

In a statement, Ramaphosa said he was deeply saddened by the deaths of the learners, describing the incident as a devastating loss for families, schools and the country as a whole.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets,” Ramaphosa said.

“We must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to ensuring the quality and accountability of scholar transport operators – to protect the lives of learners.”

The President said it was particularly distressing that the tragedy occurred on the same day the South African Human Rights Commission released a report on scholar transport, underscoring longstanding concerns about safety, regulation and oversight in the sector.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased learners.

Chiloane revealed that the driver involved in the crash had been reprimanded last week for reckless driving behaviour, raising serious questions about the enforcement and monitoring of learner transport providers.

Police condemned the incident and urged parents and schools to ensure that vehicles transporting learners are roadworthy and operated by qualified, responsible drivers.

Authorities warned that reckless driving and failure to comply with safety standards place children’s lives at extreme risk.

Ramaphosa also extended condolences to families affected by violent crime on the Cape Flats, where at least 26 people were killed over a 24-hour period during the weekend.

He pledged stronger law enforcement, increased police visibility and closer cooperation with communities.

The President said national and provincial authorities would provide psychosocial support to the families, schools and communities affected by the Vaal crash.