Brakpan SAPS hosted a scholar transport awareness event on January 28, focusing on the safety and regulation of learner transport.
The event took place in the old Brakpan Mall and was attended by scholar transport drivers and vehicle owners, parents, crèche owners and community members.
Committee members from several scholar transport associations were present, including the Greater Brakpan Scholar Transport Association led by chairperson Thabo Ndlovu, BESCO led by chairperson Christoph Malaza, TGDK led by chairperson Thabo Mithyo, and the Springs Education Transport Association led by chairperson Jabulani Radebe.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Department of Transport, the EMPD Social Crime Prevention Unit and the Crisis Centre in Tsakani.
Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi facilitated the programme and outlined the purpose of the event, highlighting legal and ethical obligations, accident prevention, learner support, awareness promotion and addressing vulnerability.
Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi facilitated the programme and outlined its objectives. PHOTO: Constable Audrey Buthelezi
Gloria Masinga from the Greater Brakpan Scholar Transport Association welcomed attendees and introduced the speakers and guests.
Caiphus Sekgobela from the transport department addressed the audience on the rules and regulations governing the transport industry.
He provided a comprehensive explanation of licensing and permit requirements for scholar transport, as well as the appropriate vehicle types and capacities for transporting learners. Sekgobela encouraged associations not to hesitate to contact the department regarding any transport-related issues.
“Scholar transport drivers and parents were given an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns,” said Buthelezi.
Constable Thembi Mabote from the EMPD Social Crime Prevention Unit spoke on transport regulations, explaining acceptable vehicle conditions, the dangers of overloading, the validity of drivers’ licences and professional driving permits (PDPs), as well as seating arrangements and age-appropriate seating for children.
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EMPD members strongly criticised scholar transport drivers for operating unroadworthy vehicles, overloading learners and using expired or non-existent driver’s licences and PDPs.
Sr Nontobeko Mthandeki from the Crisis Centre in Tsakani informed attendees about the centre’s services and urged transport drivers to report any signs of abuse they may observe among the children they transport.
While drivers were reprimanded, they were also acknowledged for their role. Buthelezi read a message of appreciation, recognising scholar transport drivers as carrying one of the most important responsibilities in the community.
She emphasised that drivers are not only transport operators, but also protectors and role models who play a vital role in the education system.
She urged them to prioritise the safety of children at all times, describing road rules as life-saving habits.
Scholar transport drivers, vehicle owners, parents and community members gathered for the awareness event. PHOTO: Constable Audrey Buthelezi
“No destination is worth risking a life. Arriving late is always better than not arriving at all,” said Buthelezi, adding that professionalism and calm decision-making can prevent accidents and save lives.
To conclude the event, Buthelezi invited the four association leaders to the front and asked them, together with all scholar transport drivers, to repeat a pledge committing to safe, responsible and lawful driving.
They recited the following: “I pledge to drive with patience, care, and respect for every life I carry. I will obey all road rules, avoid distractions, and ensure my vehicle is safe at all times. The children I transport are my responsibility, and their safety will always come first.”
The scholar transport associations, drivers, vehicle owners, parents and community members expressed appreciation for the awareness event and thanked all stakeholders involved.
Buthelezi extended gratitude to CPF deputy chairperson Simon Mabuse and CPF members for assisting with the setup and ensuring the event ran smoothly, with no incidents or criminal activities reported.
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