Western Cape ramps up enforcement to protect learners on the road

In response to a recent tragedy involving scholar transport in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, the Western Cape Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement has intensified its efforts to safeguard learners who rely on daily transportation to school. 

This comes amid growing concerns about the safety of scholar transport across South Africa.

Since schools reopened on 14 January 2026, authorities have collaborated with Municipal Traffic Services to conduct extensive operations aimed at addressing alarming levels of non-compliance among transport operators.

Between 14 and 23 January, officials executed 45 integrated operations, stopping over 1,600 vehicles, issuing 1,250 fines totalling more than R580,000, and impounding 46 vehicles for serious violations. Disturbingly, 23 unroadworthy vehicles were identified, many of which were carrying vulnerable learners.

While the effort successfully targeted a range of infractions, including instances of drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, rampant overloading, and unroadworthy vehicles, it also highlighted a worrying trend: the persistence of unsafe and illegal transport operations. Three drivers were arrested for driving under the influence, with one individual recorded at a worrying 0.68 mg/l. The operations resulted in a staggering 109 fines related to public-transport offences alone.

Provincial Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku addressed the issue, saying, “Our foremost concern is the safety of every learner who depends on transport to get to and from school each day. That is why we have strengthened our enforcement efforts during the busiest travel periods, placing special emphasis on overloading, seatbelt use, driver fitness, vehicle roadworthiness, and valid operating licences. However, government alone cannot ensure the safety of scholars. We need transport operators, parents, and guardians to take bold and proactive steps to protect the lives of our learners.”

Authorities are particularly concerned with unregulated transport operations that thrive during peak hours, making them difficult to monitor and often non-compliant with basic safety standards. Common threats include illegal public transport vehicles carrying learners, drivers under the influence of substances, dangerous levels of overloading, and repeat offenders operating with minimal scrutiny.

To combat these risks, targeted interventions have been implemented, including enhanced monitoring of high-risk routes, more robust oversight at known loading points, and improved intelligence-sharing with the Western Cape Education Department and municipal partners.

Guidelines for safe transport operations

• Keep vehicles roadworthy or do not operate them.
• No driving under the influence of alcohol—zero tolerance, zero excuses.
• Avoid overloading; one extra passenger can cost a life.
• Ensure all licences and permits are valid.
• Stick to approved routes—no shortcuts or detours.
• Exemplify good behaviour—drive safely and obey the law.
• Communicate clearly with parents and schools to build trust and safety.
• Conduct daily pre-trip checks; they can prevent disasters.
• Ensure every learner has a designated seat; no standing or sharing seats.
• Report illegal operators to protect learners and uphold the reputation of compliant transport.

As the Western Cape Government urges greater parental involvement, it becomes crucial for parents and guardians to verify that the transport services chosen are both lawful and compliant. Their actions play a vital role in minimising the risks posed by illegal or unsafe transport operators.

Parents are encouraged to:

• Verify the roadworthiness of transportation vehicles.
• Ensure drivers are properly licensed and not under the influence.
• Avoid agreeing to overloaded transport arrangements.
• Observe loading practices and question any unsafe behaviour.
• Report illegal or unsafe transport operations immediately.

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