20 learners injured in Impendle taxi accident: MEC calls for action

Thami Magubane|Published

KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma concerned about accidents involving learners

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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has announced that 20 learners were injured in a motor vehicle accident while on their way to school in the Impendle area on Monday morning.

Approximately 20 learners sustained serious injuries when the minibus taxi veered off the road and plunged a few meters down the bridge.

“Most disturbing is that the taxi driver has disappeared, and law enforcement agencies are currently searching for him,” MEC Siboniso Duma said in a statement.

The injured learners are from Matomela High School, Luthando High School, and Sthunjwana Primary School. They have been taken to Gomane Clinic and Harry Gwala Regional Hospital (Edendale Hospital) for treatment.

“Unfortunately, this is the third accident involving school learner transport in the Umgungundlovu District within four days,  learners died on Thursday, and others are still in hospital.

The department is calling on the South African National Taxi Council in KwaZulu-Natal to take action regarding these accidents involving taxi associations," stated MEC Duma.

He added that the Automobile Association estimates that there are 70,000 minibus taxi crashes annually, with taxis experiencing double the crash rate of other passenger vehicles.

“We wish to announce that we have resolved to form a partnership with the Vehicle Testing Association (VTA),” the MEC continued.

The VTA is a member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and represents private vehicle testing stations involved in the testing and issuing of roadworthy certificates in accordance with the National Road Traffic Act and SABS 10047.

“We have agreed to work together to isolate elements that are operating vehicles without roadworthy certificates and to ensure that those issuing fraudulent certificates are arrested.

He concluded, "As we approach October, Transport Month, the department will announce its collaboration with the Vehicle Testing Association (VTA) to implement the following measures

  1. Strengthen legislation governing the taxi and scholar transport industry, with clear provisions on driver vetting, vehicle standards, and operational oversight.
  2. Enforce stricter compliance and accountability measures across the province, supported by transparent reporting and independent audits.
  3. Require biannual Certificates of Roadworthiness (COF) for all heavy passenger vehicles, replacing the current annual requirement.
  4. Ensure that all minibuses are inspected within the KZN province at accredited municipal or private testing stations, in alignment with their designated route permits.

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