By Everson Luhanga
- President Cyril Ramaphosa says children must be protected through safer roads and better scholar transport after a deadly crash.
- Fourteen learners died when a scholar transport minibus crashed in Vanderbijlpark on Monday morning.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken out after fourteen learners were killed in a scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark.
The crash happened on Monday morning, 19 January 2026, while the children were travelling to school.
The Gauteng Department of Education said eleven learners died at the scene after their scholar transport minibus crashed head on with a truck.
Three injured learners later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to fourteen.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the number of deaths.
In a statement, Ramaphosa described the crash as deeply distressing. He said children must be protected through safer roads and better quality scholar transport services.
Ramaphosa said national and provincial authorities will provide psychosocial support to affected families and school communities.
He said no parent should send a child to school and never see them return home.
The President linked the tragedy to wider safety failures affecting communities. He said the government must do more to protect lives, especially those of children.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi also said he was shocked and saddened by the loss of young lives.
The Gauteng Department of Education said investigations into the crash are still under way.
It added that all information remains preliminary and more details will be shared once confirmed.
SANTACO Gauteng said it was saddened by the deaths but stressed that the vehicle involved was a scholar transport minibus.
It said the vehicle was not an ordinary taxi and was not affiliated with the taxi council.
SANTACO Gauteng chairperson Midday Mali said learner safety must be treated as a non negotiable issue.
He urged parents and operators to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and regularly inspected.
Education groups have also called for a proper scholar transport plan so children can travel safely to school.
Pictured above: The crash scene.
Image source: Supplied
