Bus Driver Abandons Students In Bus With No Steering Wheel, Resulting In 23 Injuries

The recent incident in Lichtenburg, where 23 pupils were injured after the steering wheel of their school bus came off, highlights the dire state of scholar transport in the North West province.

According to reports, the driver of a bus carrying 51 pupils lost control of the vehicle and jumped out while it was still moving.

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The incident occurred in Lichtenburg and resulted in three pupils from Gaetsho Secondary and JM Lekgetha Combined Schools being admitted to hospital. More than 20 other pupils were treated for minor injuries.

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, as one pupil recalled a similar incident in the past. An 18-year-old pupil recalled how the steering wheel of the bus came off on a previous occasion, but the driver was then apparently able to put it back again.

It is alarming that these dangerous situations are not being addressed effectively.

According to Lucas Mothibedi, spokesperson for North West Community Safety and Transport Management, the bus operator allegedly hired another bus for the roadworthy test. This raises concerns about the lack of proper maintenance and safety checks on these vehicles.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been advocating for a North West scholar transport tender audit, and this incident further emphasises the urgent need for such action.

Freddy Sonakile, DA North West MPL, expressed his disappointment and called for immediate action. He emphasised that this accident serves as a reminder of the poor state of some scholar transport vehicles. The DA has received numerous complaints from concerned parents, teachers, and pupils about the inadequate condition of these vehicles.

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It is crucial for the provincial department to prioritize the safety of students by addressing the issues with scholar transport. A thorough audit of the tender process is necessary to ensure that only reliable and well-maintained vehicles are used to transport students. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance checks should be implemented to prevent any potential accidents or breakdowns.

The well-being of our children should always be a top priority. It is time for the North West province to take immediate action to improve scholar transport and ensure the safety of all students.