The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Gauteng has learnt with profound sadness and deep shock of the tragic passing of 13 learners following a head-on collision between a scholar transport minibus and a truck in Vanderbijlpark earlier today.
SANTACO Gauteng extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, classmates, educators, and the broader community affected by this devastating loss. The passing of young lives in such circumstances is heartbreaking and has left the province in mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this unimaginably difficult time, and we wish a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries.

SANTACO Gauteng Chairperson, Midday Mali, who attended the scene of the accident, described the incident as one of the most painful scenes he has encountered. He noted the emotional toll it has taken on emergency responders, community members, and all those who witnessed the aftermath of the tragedy.
Mali emphasized that this incident serves as a painful reminder that learner safety must remain a non-negotiable priority. He urged scholar transport operators and parents alike to work more diligently and collaboratively to ensure that vehicles transporting learners are roadworthy, compliant, and regularly inspected before children are allowed to use them. The safety of learners must always come before convenience or cost.

SANTACO Gauteng further cautions the public and media to note that the vehicle involved in the accident was a minibus operating as a scholar transport vehicle and not an ordinary taxi and is not affiliated to SANTACO. While SANTACO is still working on bringing Scholar Transport onboard as an affiliate structure, this process has not yet concluded. The distinction is important to ensure that accountability, corrective measures, and regulatory interventions are directed to the appropriate operators, where meaningful redress and necessary improvements can be implemented.

SANTACO Gauteng commits to working closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at improving scholar transport safety and preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Media Inquiries:
SANTACO Gauteng Secretary
Mr. Graham Fritz
+27 83 400 9445