At least 31 learners were admitted to hospitals after a bus crashed into a mini-taxi outside Mahikeng on Thursday (22/5) morning, said North West Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Oshebeng Koonyaditse. The bus was transporting 65 learners to RA Kobue Secondary School in Mooifontein, outside Mahikeng.

According to initial reports, the driver of the privately hired mini-taxi carrying 15 learners and teachers overtook the bus before stopping abruptly to pick up another teacher. The sudden stop resulted in the bus, which is part of the department-funded scholar transport system, rear-hitting the taxi.

The bus was transporting learners from Groedgevonden, while the taxi originated from Mareetsane, said Koonyaditse. Thirty learners sustained minor injuries and were taken to Gelukspan Hospital, while one was admitted to Bophelong Provincial Hospital for further care.

Koonyaditse assured the public that alternative transportation had been arranged to minimise disruptions to teaching and learning. Transport was also provided for hospitalised learners to ensure they returned home safely once discharged.

This incident adds to the growing scrutiny of the scholar transport system in North West. Operators have faced delays in payments, leading to disruptions in service. It was also reported that learners at MJ Moholoheng Primary School had only attended school for six days due to scholar transport issues.

The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management acknowledged the challenges, attributing delays in payments to system failures. They have assured stakeholders that corrective measures are being implemented.

Both the Departments of Community Safety and Transport Management and Education were summoned to appear before the Human Rights Commission earlier this year to address concerns about scholar transport and its impact on learners’ rights.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg