One child dies in scholar transport accident in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has launched an investigation following a tragic scholar transport accident that resulted in the death of a learner and left several others injured in Ndwedwe. It is alleged that the driver of the scholar transport vehicle was drunk at the time of the accient.
Duma said he had received WhatsApp messages and a video from concerned community members on Tuesday night, alerting him about the driver, who according to the community appeared to be visibly intoxicated.
'Last night, I received WhatsApp messages from community members in Ndwedwe who informed me about a drunk driver of a scholar transport. I also received a disturbing video of the drunk driver and other photos,' he said.
The MEC said he had 'immediately assigned a team to urgently visit the scene of a horrific accident caused by the same driver,' and also sent them to Montobella District Hospital to monitor the condition of the injured learners.
According to the report he received on Wednesday, one learner had died after the minibus taxi rolled down an embankment. 'Six other learners were treated and discharged, while four were admitted with severe head and body injuries. The extent of the injuries suggests extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation,' he said.
Duma said the department would take 'drastic action not only against the driver but also against the owner of this service provider'.
He added that the Road Traffic Inspectorate and other law enforcement agencies had been mandated to conduct spot checks on scholar transport vehicles throughout the province.
Parents and learners have been urged to report negligent drivers and those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the department's toll-free number 0800 055 505 or WhatsApp line 060 105 5505.
Duma also referred to a report presented to the Transport Portfolio Committee on Tuesday, which showed that the department was currently transporting 77,369 learners from 434 schools.
'The department is administering the learner transport services programme on behalf of the Department of Education with a budget of R341,154 million this financial year,' he said.
However, Duma acknowledged the existing gap in service provision, revealing that 'the programme still has a backlog of 1 571 schools on the waiting list, as well as 234 907 learners requiring the service. We need more than R2 billion for this purpose.'
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