‘HIS LUNCH BOX IS STILL IN THE FREEZER’ - Parents reflect on the pain of losing their kids in school transport crashes

FOR many parents, placing their children in the school transport and waving goodbye is part of their normal morning routine, but what happens when your child never comes home?

The tragic Vanderbijlpark accident last week, which claimed the lives of 14 young children and shook the nation, has evoked strong emotions from parents still battling the loss of a child in the same manner and those who are learning to ask the right questions when it comes to placing their children’s lives in the hands of the scholar transport system.

This year will mark the 16th anniversary of the devastating Blackheath train-crossing tragedy, which claimed the lives of ten school children on 25 August 2010.

The learners died when the taxi in which they were being taken to school jumped a queue of cars waiting at a rail crossing at Buttskop Road and was hit by an oncoming train. The taxi driver survived the crash.

Sixteen years after the tragedy, Valerie Phillips, who lost her 13-year-old son Jody Philips in the crash, said the Vanderbijlpark accident opened old wounds.

An emotional Valerie told the Daily Voice that Jody would’ve celebrated his 29th birthday on 29 November, and she still keeps his lunch box in the freezer.

“On Sunday, it was my birthday and I am retiring after 33 years at the end of this week. It was supposed to be a happy time, but ever since the accident, it has really affected me so badly that I am in pain all over again.

“A mother will never get over the passing of her child, especially in a tragic accident like this - when they were ripped away from you.

“Just when you think you can move a little bit forward in life, something strikes again that triggers you. This really affected me.

“I am so emotional, and when I am like this, I just distance myself from everyone to deal with my feelings.

“I don’t want people to think ‘it’s been so  many years and you are still crying?’” But they won’t understand if you never went through it - I can tell you it’s very painful."

She added: “I still have my son’s lunch box in the freezer with his chocolate and juice bottle. I wrap it tight with a Shoprite plastic bag. My husband did not want anyone to touch the lunch box. He always said we should leave it in the freezer because it is not bothering anyone.”

Philips concludes: “I have to be strong for my only son, who is 19 years old, because it is just the two of us. A year before Jody’s accident, my middle son passed on as a baby.

“I lost my parents and my husband. My son and I are moving to the West Coast to try and start on a clean slate. I sold my house because there are too many memories here.”

Just two years ago, five primary school learners and a high school learner were killed on AZ Berman in Mitchells Plain when a bakkie transporting pupils lost control, slammed into a tree and a traffic light causing the vehicle’s canopy to shatter.

A Delft mother said she is educating herself regarding the rules applicable to school transport.

Originally from Elsies River, the family had to find a lift for their Grade 4 daughter to get to school from their new home, as they were unable to secure a school placement in the middle of the year.

With organising school transport a matter of urgency, the mom said: “At the time, I was just happy she got transport, that I did not think to ask for a licence or permits, I was just relieved because we really struggled to find transport.

“It never crossed my mind to ask for the necessary certificates or paperwork, which is actually so important because we are literally trusting these people with our children’s lives. I don’t think we as parents are educated enough on the safety of scholar transport because die driver survive altyd.”

The Daily Voice spoke to the Western Cape Mobility Department to educate parents on what to look out for to ensure their children are safe when travelling to and from school.

The department’s Head of Communication, Muneera Allie explained: “The Road Safety Management team visits schools throughout the year to educate parents, teachers, learners and operators on safe scholar transport. The Department also distributed various brochures to assist and educate parents, teachers and operators.

“If the operator has valid operating licenses for both public transport and scholar transport, then it is legal.

“It should be noted that various learners also make use of public transport. Operators must apply for a licence before transporting learners and use a roadworthy, properly licensed vehicle.

“Applications must be submitted to the Provincial Regulatory Entity, along with a letter of need from the school(s). The school must send this directly to the Provincial Regulatory Entity.

“Parents should check that the operator has a valid operating licence to transport your child. Ensure the driver has a valid licence and Professional Driving Permit and make sure the vehicle is roadworthy, licensed, and safe.

“Never allow overloading of the vehicle. Talk to your child about their trip and listen to any concerns.

“Report serious incidents to the school or Provincial Regulatory Entity. Don’t let your child travel with a different driver or vehicle unless you are informed in advance and have checked their documents.

“Don’t allow the operator to pick up extra passengers while transporting learners.

“Don’t let your child ride in the back of a bakkie or in the goods compartment of any vehicle.”