Crash
1Min
South Africa
Jan 19, 2026
SANTACO Gauteng has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families, schools and communities affected by the tragic loss of learners in the crash, describing the incident as devastating and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
SANTACO Gauteng has cautioned the public and media that the vehicle involved in the fatal crash was a minibus operating as a scholar transport vehicle and not a regular taxi, and that it is not affiliated with the organisation.
On Monday morning a collision between a scholar transport minibus and a truck claimed the lives of 13 learners and left several others critically injured. SANTACO called on scholar transport operators and parents to work together more closely to ensure that vehicles carrying learners are roadworthy, compliant with regulations and subjected to regular inspections, stressing that children’s safety must always take precedence over convenience or cost
SANTACO Gauteng chairperson Midday Mali, who visited the crash scene, said the incident was among the most distressing he has witnessed. He noted that the tragedy had a deep emotional impact on emergency personnel, community members and others who were exposed to the aftermath.
Mali said the incident was a stark reminder that the safety of learners cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
"SANTACO Gauteng extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, classmates, educators, and the broader community affected by this devastating loss. The passing of young lives in such circumstances is heartbreaking and has left the province in mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this unimaginably difficult time, and we wish a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries," said Mali.
