More than 60 scholar transport vehicles impounded in Lenasia after Vanderbijlpark tragedy

Lenasia scholar transport under scrutiny after Vanderbijlpark tragedy

In the wake of the Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash, which claimed 14 young lives, authorities in Lenasia have taken decisive action to clamp down on unsafe learner transport. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed that over 60 vehicles have been impounded during a comprehensive inspection of scholar transport operations in the area.

One driver was arrested for carrying more children than his vehicle was licensed to hold, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by learners on overcrowded transport.

Frustrated Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa is calling on Gauteng traffic officers to impound unroadworthy vehicles transporting children.

This morning, law enforcement authorities conducted a scholar transport safety blitz in Lenasia, South of Johannesburg, where… pic.twitter.com/DP7B8nZOoJ

POWER987News (@POWER987News) January 22, 2026

Overloaded vehicles uncovered

During the blitz, officials discovered a Suzuki Ertiga carrying 14 children, despite the vehicle being licensed for just 7 passengers. Another bus, permitted to transport 60 learners, was found carrying 98 passengers. These findings underscore systemic safety gaps in both formal and informal learner transport.

Minister Creecy, joined by Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, expressed her condolences to the families affected by the Vanderbijlpark crash and reiterated the urgent need for stricter enforcement of learner transport regulations.

“We are deeply concerned that vehicles that should not be on the road at all are carrying people’s precious children,” Creecy said. “We’ve been testing roadworthiness, checking drivers’ permits, and focusing on ensuring vehicles are safe for learners.”

Focus on informal transport

While the Department of Education’s official scholar transport vehicles have been under inspection for the past two weeks, the blitz in Lenasia targeted informal vehicles arranged privately by parents.

“These vehicles often operate outside the regulations, and many drivers admitted they do not have the required public driver’s permits (PDPs),” Creecy explained. “We need a clear plan to ensure these operations comply with the law and are safe for children.”

Advanced training for drivers

The minister also highlighted concerns about driver behaviour. Preliminary investigations suggest poor driving practices contributed to the Vanderbijlpark crash. Creecy intends to introduce mandatory advanced driver training for all individuals transporting learners, citing Section 42(2) of the Transport Act, which allows for such regulations.

“Drivers must understand how to drive responsibly and defensively when carrying learners. These children’s lives depend on it,” she said.

Ongoing investigations

The Road Traffic Management Corporation, in collaboration with local authorities, continues to investigate the Vanderbijlpark collision. A preliminary report is expected Thursday, which will provide further insight into the causes of the crash.

Communities in Gauteng have expressed growing alarm over learner transport safety, particularly in the wake of the recent tragedy. Social media has been awash with calls for tighter enforcement, more stringent vehicle inspections, and better oversight of both formal and informal scholar transport systems.

The Lenasia blitz marks a decisive step toward preventing another disaster, but Minister Creecy warned that sustained vigilance and compliance will be key to protecting the province’s schoolchildren.