The Western Cape Mobility Department is offering free vehicle safety checks for scholar transport in Cape Town and nearby areas. This initiative was launched after a tragic accident last Friday that involved 29 children, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old learner.
The checks will take place on Thursday, October 10, at the Gene Louw Traffic Training College in Brackenfell and the Swartland Testing Centre in Malmesbury. The safety checks will focus on important areas such as tyres, brakes, lights, suspension, electrical systems, and more.
Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Isaac Sileku, emphasized the need for scholar transport operators to ensure their vehicles meet safety standards.
Mzukisi Jalamba, a scholar transporter in Kensington and Maitland, plans to arrive early for the vehicle check after dropping off the children. “This is important. We must not risk the lives of children,” she said.
The recent accident on Swartklip Road shocked the community, with residents calling for stricter regulations for scholar transport. “It’s sad that some transporters prioritize profits over children’s lives,” said local resident Nomusa, referring to the overloaded taxi involved.
Muneera Allie, a spokeswoman for the Mobility Department, stated that the safety of learners is their top priority. “Regular maintenance is crucial, especially for vehicles that transport children in varying road conditions,” she added.