South Africa: Overcrowded Gauteng School Buses Raise Safety Concerns

Learners in Mamelodi are raising alarm over unsafe conditions on buses contracted by the Gauteng Department of Education, which are meant to transport students to school free of charge.

Several students reported that the buses are regularly overloaded. GroundUp confirmed these claims, observing crowded buses on multiple routes throughout February. On Tsamaya Avenue, learners were seen standing on the steps with doors open, while aisles were packed with passengers.

Most buses lacked visible branding, making it difficult to identify operators. One bus, however, displayed the name Besedi Bus Hire.

The issue has drawn attention since 19 January, when 14 learners died in Vanderbijlpark after a minibus collided with a truck. Authorities subsequently impounded numerous scholar transport vehicles.

Bus owner Tshepang Mabena admitted to overloading his vehicle but cited delayed payments from the department as a financial strain. “I can transport learners in two loads and avoid overloading if the department pays me on time every month,” he said.

Grade 12 learner Given Makatu of Stanza Bopape Secondary described standing with at least five other students on the steps while the bus was moving. “This is very scary. If we slip and fall, we could be run over by cars in the other lane,” he said.

Grade 10 learner Phuthi Msimango of Lehlabile Secondary said the overcrowding prevents her from moving freely. “I thank the government for providing free transport, but I worry about my safety. I’m afraid to ask the driver why the bus is always so full,” she said.

Parent Phumzile Mgidi noted that overloading has been a persistent problem for at least two years. “We don’t want our children to die like those 14 learners in Vanderbijlpark,” she said.

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona acknowledged the issue, attributing it to high immigration into Gauteng, rising learner numbers on approved routes, and the presence of some unauthorized passengers.

Attempts to reach the Tshwane Metro Police Department for comment were unsuccessful.