Gauteng schools reopen Tuesday as transport operators urged to put learner safety first

The Gauteng Department of Community Safety (GDCS) has called on public transport and learner transport operators to exercise caution and drive responsibly as learners return to school on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.

The start of the fourth school term is expected to bring increased traffic volumes during the morning and afternoon peak periods, particularly around schools, residential areas and major transport routes.

The department said public and learner transport operators have a responsibility to ensure that every learner and passenger reaches their destination safely.

Operators have been urged to conduct proper safety checks on their vehicles before operating, ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and confirm that drivers are appropriately licensed and authorised to transport passengers.

The department also warned operators against overloading vehicles, stressing that all passengers must be properly seated and transported safely.

Learner transport operators have been reminded that the safety of children must remain a priority.

They must not exceed the authorised passenger capacity of their vehicles, allow learners to sit in unsafe positions or compromise safety standards to accommodate additional passengers.

Drivers have also been urged to take extra care when collecting and dropping off learners to ensure children are not exposed to moving traffic.

The department called on motorists to obey speed limits, avoid reckless and negligent driving and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Drivers have also been warned against using cellphones while driving and urged to remain particularly alert around schools, pedestrian crossings, intersections and areas where children are likely to cross roads.

Parents and guardians have been encouraged to use reputable and compliant learner transport operators and report unsafe driving practices or overcrowding.

The GDCS said it would continue working with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders on road safety awareness programmes and enforcement interventions as part of the 365 Day road safety campaign.

It warned that non-compliance with traffic laws and unsafe transport practices would not be tolerated where they place the lives of learners and other road users at risk.

The department stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, calling on public and learner transport operators to prioritise the safety of their passengers and other road users on every journey.

“No passenger or child should risk their life simply to get to school or work,” the department said.