The Gauteng government has pledged support for families affected by a deadly scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark that killed 12 learners. Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced assistance with funerals and counselling during a media briefing. The minibus driver has been arrested on multiple charges.
On Monday, a scholar transport minibus carrying learners collided with a heavy-duty truck on the Golden Highway near Vanderbijlpark, resulting in the deaths of 12 children. Three others were hospitalized, with updates indicating five admitted to Sebokeng Hospital and two to Kopanong Hospital. Only two learners remain in intensive care, with one having been moved out.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, alongside Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, addressed the media in Sebokeng on Tuesday. Lesufi confirmed that all victims have now been identified, noting that the last family came forward just before the briefing. "We can now confirm that 12 children passed on. Of all those children, 11 were identified. When we were preparing for this briefing, the last family came forward, and all the children have now been duly identified," Lesufi stated.
The government has outlined three forms of assistance: ongoing visits to families, psycho-social counselling through the Department of Social Development and other institutions, and support for funeral arrangements. Lesufi emphasized, "And our assistance is categorised in three forms. The first one was visits, which will continue today. The second one is counselling... And the third one is funerals."
The minibus driver was arrested and faces 12 counts of culpable homicide, along with charges of reckless and negligent driving. Authorities revealed he was operating without the required professional driving permit (PDP). This tragedy has highlighted ongoing concerns about scholar transport safety in the region.