63 KZN scholar transport fleets fail safety inspections, 77,000 pupils at risk
MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma says sixty-three scholar transport fleets in KwaZulu-Natal have failed safety inspections. He said authorities continue checking vehicles, focusing on driver permits, brakes, tires, and overall roadworthiness to protect 77,000 pupils across nearly 400 schools.
Image: Supplied
KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma , Siboniso Duma, has confirmed that 63 scholar transport fleets in the province failed recent safety inspections, putting the safety of 77,000 pupils at risk.
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the department, said the inspections began quietly on Friday and continued over the weekend.
“Our team of provincial inspectors attached to the Road Traffic Inspectorate and Public Transport Enforcement Service’s Operation Shanela started inspecting the scholar transport fleet quietly on Friday and throughout the weekend.
‘’The inspections are taking place at more than 26 satellite stations across the province,” he said.
Sibiya said the exercise is aimed at ensuring the safety of approximately 77,000 pupils attending nearly 400 schools.
“We are focusing on driver permits, tires, brakes, seatbelts, suspension, and the overall condition of the vehicle,” he said.
According to Sibiya, a total of 198 fleets have been inspected so far, which included 143 buses and 55 minibuses. Of these, 63 fleets failed the inspection, comprising 43 buses and 20 minibuses.
“The owners have been instructed to attend to all mechanical failures as stipulated in their contracts with the Department of Transport,” he said.
He commended service providers who have maintained roadworthy vehicles.
“We want to acknowledge those who have complied and ensured their fleets are safe,” Sibiya said.
Sibiya also confirmed that inspections would continue. “The exercise will proceed until schools reopen and beyond. RTI and Operation Shanela will work with other law enforcement agencies and traffic departments in various municipalities moving forward.
''They will do spot checks and maintain the visible presence that we all witnessed during the festive season,” she said.
Sibiya said additional safety measures for private scholar transport will be announced once consultations with key stakeholders are finalised.
“As we announced towards the end of last year, we will be introducing reforms to strengthen legislation governing the private scholar transport industry, with clear provisions on driver vetting, vehicle standards, and operational oversight.''
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
IOL News