Another scholar transport crash rocks SA as Thabazimbi accident leaves one dead and dozens injured

South Africa’s roads have claimed another life in a tragedy that feels painfully familiar.

Just days after the devastating Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash, a second head-on collision involving schoolchildren has unfolded, this time in Limpopo, leaving one person dead and more than 100 pupils injured.

Early-morning collision near Amanda mine

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed that the crash occurred shortly after 6am on Thursday along the R510 between Thabazimbi and Northam, near Amanda mine in the Waterberg District.

A Toyota Hilux LDV collided head-on with a Volkswagen bus transporting schoolchildren. Preliminary findings suggest the Hilux was overtaking when it crashed into the oncoming bus.

The 58-year-old driver of the Toyota Hilux died at the scene.

A fatal head-on collision between a bakkie and a bus on the R510 has left one driver dead and 109 learners with minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/xgxI59mxZ6

Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) January 22, 2026

Children rushed to hospital

In total, 109 schoolchildren sustained injuries, though authorities said all were classified as minor. Emergency services transported 103 pupils to Thabazimbi Provincial Hospital, while six others were taken to Amderbilt Mine Hospital for treatment.

For parents across the region, the morning news was a nightmare scenario, another reminder of how vulnerable children are on daily school commutes.

Reckless driving under investigation

The department has indicated that reckless driving is believed to be the cause of the crash, though investigations are ongoing.

In a statement, officials extended condolences to the family of the deceased driver and wished the injured learners a speedy recovery, urging all motorists to exercise caution, particularly when transporting or sharing roads with scholar transport vehicles.

A nation on edge over scholar transport safety

The timing of the Thabazimbi crash has intensified public anger and anxiety around scholar transport safety. Barely a week ago, 14 young children lost their lives in a head-on collision with a truck on the R553 Golden Highway in Vanderbijlpark, a tragedy that sparked nationwide outrage.

Social media has since been flooded with calls for stricter enforcement, safer vehicles and accountability for reckless driving. Many parents have questioned whether enough is being done to protect children who rely on daily transport to and from school.

Authorities ramp up enforcement

In response to growing pressure, law enforcement agencies have begun clamping down on unsafe scholar transport.

On Thursday, authorities impounded more than 60 scholar transport vehicles in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, for overloading, operating illegally or lacking public driving permits (PDPs).

Meanwhile, in Tshwane, the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department removed 20 minibuses from the road after finding them unroadworthy or driven by unlicensed operators.

A warning that can’t be ignored

For many South Africans, the Thabazimbi crash is no longer just another statistic, it is part of a disturbing pattern. While investigations continue and enforcement ramps up, families are left grappling with an uncomfortable truth: every morning school run carries real risk.

Until lasting changes are made, the question remains, how many more warnings will it take before scholar transport safety becomes non-negotiable?

{Source: The Citizen}

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