SADTU mourns the loss of five learners in Pietermaritzburg accident.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) is deeply saddened by the tragic accident that claimed the lives of five learners in Imbali township, Pietermaritzburg, this morning.
According to reports, the learners aged between 9 and 11 were travelling in a minibus taxi to different schools when the vehicle lost control, collided with a tree, and rolled down before plunging into a preschool. Four learners died at the scene while the fifth passed away enroute to hospital. Five other learners were injured. Fortunately, the children at the pre-school were unharmed, though the front part of the building was damaged.
It is alleged that the driver reported brake failure as the cause of the accident.
SADTU reiterates its long-standing call for a comprehensive and reliable scholar transport plan. In many communities where formal scholar transport is not provided, parents are forced to rely on local minibuses, often referred to “omalume” to transport children. These vehicles must the properly regulated and subjected to regular roadworthiness checks and ensure the safety of learners.
We express our deepest and since condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased learners, their school mates, and teachers. We also wish a speedy recover to all those injured.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for government intervention to ensure that no learner’s life is lost due to unsafe and unregulated transport.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat