Pretoria - Basic Education Deputy Minister Enver Surty says the tragic loss of learners, who died on Wednesday, when a bakkie crashed into a house in Pietermaritzburg, is devastating and unnecessary.
"… Everyone needs to play their part to ensure that our children are transported in safe and suitable modes of transport, and be aware they are transporting our national assets," said Deputy Minister.
Deputy Minister Surty urged transport authorities to take strong action against those who put learners’ lives at risk through utilising vehicles that are not roadworthy or unsuitable modes of transportation to ferry children to and from school.
According to media reports, seven primary school learners died from the incident, while 18 people were injured, yesterday afternoon in Imbali Township, Pietermaritzburg.
Other injured learners, a driver and a woman were admitted to hospital.
It is reported that the incident was followed by another collision involving a taxi carrying school children in Umlazi, Durban, on Thursday morning, where 21 school children were injured.
The department said the Deputy Minister is deeply saddened by these two incidents.
"This is a harrowing way to start the school year and I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones in this tragic collision," said Deputy Minister Surty.
The department said these incidents highlight the importance of the learner road safety education initiative launched by the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Basic Education just last week in Cape Town.
The Deputy Minister also wished those who were injured in both collisions a swift and speedy recovery. - SAnews.gov.za
