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Concerns mount as dozens of KZN scholar transport vehicles fail safety checks
A worrying start to the school year for KZN families
As pupils across KwaZulu-Natal prepare to head back to class, a fresh round of inspections has put the spotlight firmly on scholar transport safety. Provincial transport officials have confirmed that 63 scholar transport vehicles have failed recent roadworthiness checks, raising concerns for parents who rely on these services daily.
The inspections are part of a province-wide drive led by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport to make sure learners are not being placed at risk on their journey to and from school. For many families, especially in rural and township areas, scholar transport is not a luxury but a lifeline.
What inspectors found on the ground
According to the department, inspections were carried out at more than 26 satellite stations across the province. Nearly 200 vehicles were checked, including buses, minibuses, and smaller transport vehicles used to ferry pupils.
Inspectors focused on critical safety basics such as driver permits, brakes, tyres, seatbelts, suspension, and the overall condition of each vehicle. Out of the 198 vehicles inspected so far, 63 were deemed noncompliant. These included 43 buses, 18 minibuses, and two smaller vehicles.
Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said vehicle owners have been instructed to fix all mechanical defects before returning to service. Operators whose vehicles passed inspection were publicly commended for meeting the required standards.
Why this matters more than ever
The scale of the operation reflects just how many children depend on these services. Provincial officials estimate that around 77,000 pupils across close to 400 schools rely on scholar transport every school day. A single faulty vehicle can put dozens of young lives at risk.
In KwaZulu-Natal, past crashes involving learner transport have left lasting scars in communities. That history has made parents particularly vocal online, with many welcoming stricter enforcement while others question how unsafe vehicles were allowed to operate in the first place.
Inspections will not stop when schools reopen
One key message from the department is that this is not a once-off exercise. The inspections will continue after schools reopen, with ongoing spot checks planned in collaboration with Operation Shanela and other law enforcement agencies.
Officials say the visible policing seen during the festive season will be maintained, especially around busy school routes. This sustained presence is aimed at discouraging shortcuts on safety and keeping pressure on operators to comply.
Bigger reforms on the way
Looking ahead, the department has signalled that tougher rules may be coming for private scholar transport operators. Once consultations are finalised, proposed reforms are expected to strengthen legislation around driver vetting, vehicle standards, and day-to-day operational oversight.
For parents, the message is clear. Ask questions, check permits where possible, and report concerns. For operators, the warning could not be louder. Learner safety is no longer negotiable.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Inside Education.
