Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – Concerns are mounting over pupil safety following reports of overloaded taxis operating with fraudulent roadworthy certificates in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The issue came to light after a News24 report highlighted a taxi found to be carrying an excessive number of passengers and possessing questionable documentation. This has prompted an immediate investigation by KwaZulu-Natal Transport officials, signaling a growing crisis in school transportation safety.
The situation underscores a broader problem of compromised vehicle standards and potential negligence within the scholar transport system. Authorities are now scrambling to address the immediate risks and prevent further incidents that could endanger the lives of students. The focus is on identifying and removing unsafe vehicles from the roads, as well as cracking down on corruption related to the issuing of roadworthy certificates.
Investigation Launched into Roadworthy Certificate Scam
Siboniso Duma, the MEC for Transport in KwaZulu-Natal, has ordered a full investigation into allegations of a roadworthy certificate scam centered in Pietermaritzburg, EWN reports. This follows the discovery of irregularities surrounding certificates issued to minibuses used for scholar transport. The investigation aims to determine the extent of the fraudulent activity and identify those responsible, including officials who may have been complicit.
The KZN Department of Transport is actively probing reports of fraudulent roadworthy certificates being used on overloaded scholar taxis, according to East Coast Radio. This investigation is running parallel to the broader inquiry into the alleged scam, indicating a multi-pronged approach to tackling the issue.
Eastern Cape Taxi Overload Raises Alarm
The initial catalyst for the investigations was a report by News24 detailing an overloaded taxi in the Eastern Cape with suspect roadworthy papers. The report raised serious concerns about the safety of pupils traveling in such conditions. The taxi was reportedly carrying more passengers than its legal capacity, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
The incident has reignited a debate about the regulation and oversight of scholar transport, particularly in rural areas where access to safe and reliable transportation is limited. Parents and school officials are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and more frequent vehicle inspections.
Contacting KZN Transport
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport provides several avenues for public contact. A dedicated Call Centre is available at 0800 055 505 and via WhatsApp at 060 105 5505. These resources were launched in March 2025 to improve communication between the public and departmental services, as detailed on the KZN Transport website. Deputy Director-General Fikile Sithole is a key contact within the Transportation Services division.
The Broader Context of Scholar Transport Safety
This latest incident is not isolated. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of unsafe scholar transport practices across South Africa, including overloaded vehicles, unlicensed drivers, and poorly maintained vehicles. These issues are often exacerbated by economic factors, with many parents relying on informal transport operators due to affordability concerns.
The challenge lies in balancing the need for affordable transportation with the imperative to ensure the safety of pupils. Authorities are exploring various solutions, including stricter regulations, increased subsidies for safe transport options, and public awareness campaigns to educate parents and pupils about the risks involved.
The KZN Transport Department is expected to release preliminary findings from its investigation within the coming weeks. Officials have indicated that they will take swift action against anyone found to be involved in fraudulent activities or compromising pupil safety. Parents and school officials are encouraged to report any concerns they may have to the department’s Call Centre or local traffic authorities.
This is a developing story, and time.news will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. We encourage readers to share their experiences and concerns regarding scholar transport safety in the comments below.
