Video of primary school learner driving leaves Social Development MEC ‘concerned’

POLOKWANE – The MEC for Social Development, Nkakareng Rakgoale has urged parents to not allow their children to drive their cars, as it endangers their lives.

Rakgoale made this announcement after a video surfaced on social media in which a man, believed to be from Seshego outside Polokwane, is seen recording and encouraging a primary school learner driving a vehicle with one child leaning out the car window and the other seated on the rooftop of the moving vehicle.

Departmental Spokesperson, Witness Tiva said in a statement that the matter has been referred to social workers to conduct an assessment and possibly refer the matter to law enforcement agencies. Rakgoale is concerned by the behaviour of the adult and the children themselves, the statement reads.

“The behaviour displayed in the video is against the prescripts of the Children’s Act No. 38 of 2005, which discourages all of us to expose children to harmful behaviour. Allowing children without driver’s licenses to drive vehicles, puts their lives and the lives of other road users in danger. Parents and adults are compelled to create a conducive environment for children and always ensure their safety,” Rakgoale said.

Tiva added that the conduct also contradicts section 28 of the Bill of Rights on the protection of children. “Children are vulnerable and depend on the adult caregiver to direct and guide their behaviour. Parental capacity will be assessed through Safety and Risk assessment tool,” Tiva said.

He added that the matter has also been referred to the Department of Transport and Community Safety, as well as the SAPS, for them to investigate. “Our social workers will work closely with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that acts that have been put in place to protect children, are always complied with,” concluded Rakgoale.