MEDIA RELEASE

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expresses concern over bus crash in Nhlazatshe, Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga, 22 May 2024 – Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed deepconcern over the ongoing use of unsafe vehicles for learner transport.

Minister Chikunga said: “Unsafe vehicles will not be tolerated and every effort must bemade to ensure that schools contract with service providers who prioritise safety overprofits,” Minister Chikunga said.

She was speaking earlier today at the scene of a bus crash in Nhlazatshe, Mpumalanga,involving a learner transport bus carrying high school learners to a career expo hosted by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL).
Most of the children were treated for shock, trauma and mild injuries. Of the eight learners who were taken to Embhuleni Provincial Hospital, seven have been discharged. The remaining learner is being kept overnight for observation, as she has underlying medical
conditions.

“It is a relief that there were no fatalities, but this relief should also be a wake-up call for all schools, parents, transport operators and authorities,” said Chikunga.
Early reports indicate that the brakes of a bus failed but detailed investigations will be conducted to establish the exact cause and circumstances behind the crash, which involved two other vehicles.

“More must be done to ensure the vehicles used to transport our children are safe and roadworthy. It cannot be that transport owners risk the lives of our children and get away with it,” said Chikunga.

“These local operators know the road, its curves and condition and we expect them to not only drive safely but also use roadworthy vehicles,” she added.

The Minister visited the learner who sustained serious injuries at the Nhlazatshe hospital this afternoon.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Melany
Kühn on 078 8877 004 or pressoffice@nra.co.za