Pupil Dead, 10 Injured in Taxi Crash; Driver Allegedly Drunk

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Orders Full Investigation into Scholar Transport Tragedy

KwaZulu-Natal’s transport MEC, **Siboniso Duma**, has launched a probe into a minibus taxi accident that claimed the life of one pupil and left ten others injured. The crash in Ndwedwe has sparked outrage amid claims the driver was intoxicated.

MEC Responds to Urgent Community Alerts

The incident came to light through direct messages from concerned citizens on WhatsApp, alerting **Duma** to an alleged drunk driver operating a scholar transport vehicle. A disturbing video and images circulated, prompting immediate action.

**Duma** stated, “I also received a disturbing video of the [allegedly] drunk driver and other photos.” He quickly dispatched a team to the accident scene and to Montobella District Hospital to monitor the injured learners.

Tragic Loss and Extensive Injuries

Early Thursday morning, news confirmed the death of one young student. Six other pupils were treated and released from the hospital, while four remain admitted with severe head and body trauma, indicating a need for significant medical care and rehabilitation.

Drastic Measures Promised

**Duma** emphasized, “Drastic action will be taken not only against the driver but also against the owner of this service provider.” He has also directed the Road Traffic Inspectorate and other provincial law enforcement agencies to conduct random spot checks on scholar transport services.

This incident follows **Duma’s** recent presentation to the KwaZulu-Natal legislature transport portfolio committee regarding scholar transport. The department reported providing services for over 77,369 learners across 434 schools in the past 400 days, managing a budget of R341.154 million this fiscal year.

Despite these efforts, a substantial backlog exists, with 1,571 schools and 234,907 learners still awaiting services, requiring an estimated R2 billion for full implementation. The scale of need highlights the challenges in ensuring safe transport for all students.