General secretary of Gauteng Education Transport Services (Gets), Vusi Ngutshane said operators must observe bylaws. He said, “At present scholar transport is referred to as ‘taxis’ because some operators drive like reckless taxi drivers.”
According to Ngutshane, Gauteng has 67 scholar transport associations and about 70 000 members, and that Gauteng scholar transport vehicles will soon bear a Gets sticker to show that they are registered.
The association’s regional chairperson, Given Cele said the number of scholar transport-related accidents were concerning. Cele said, “Most of those vehicles involved in accidents are unidentified operators who are not affiliated to any association.”
Cele stressed that scholar transporters could not have dual membership, transporting scholars and also moonlighting as public transport.
Parents were urged not to use scholar transporters that do not belong to any associations.
Metro police officer Luthando Lolwana said schools must have waiting rooms to avoid pupils loitering outside school gates. He added, “It is unacceptable that some parents drive the best cars on the market but send their children to school with scholar transport vehicles that are not roadworthy.”
Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe said, “There are 18 000 applications in the City of Joburg for traffic calming around schools. Midrand has the worst traffic and it is a nightmare for parents and operators to drop off and pick up pupils at schools.”
Ward 112 Councillor Candice James said, as a parent, seeing children hanging out of’ scholar transport vehicles’ windows or standing while the vehicle was in motion was frightening.
The association’s public relations officer Brian Govender thanked people for their interest in scholar transport. “Due to your support we are now in partnership with most schools in Midrand,” said Govender.
A parent, Shaun Naidoo said transport operators were caretakers and parents should choose a person they could trust. “My child goes to school with Brian Govender,” he said. “I know he is a person of integrity and belongs to an association.”
Details: For more information on Midrand Learner Transport contact Brian Govender on midrandlearnertransport@gmail.com
Do you think the city council is doing enough to ensure the safety of children on the roads? Let Midrand Reporter know in the comments section below.
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