The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of 12 school learners in a scholar transport crash near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, on Monday morning, 19 January 2026.
The collision, which involved a school transport minibus and a lorry, has left families, schools, and communities devastated. The Department of Social Development (DSD) extended its heartfelt condolences to everyone affected and acknowledged the profound grief experienced by parents, caregivers, educators, and classmates.
As the custodian of the Children’s Act, Act 38 of 2005, the Department highlighted that this tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the collective responsibility to protect children at all times. The Department emphasized that child protection must be maintained every day and in all environments, including during learners’ daily journeys to and from school.
Minister Tolashe offered her condolences to the bereaved families, noting the immense impact of the loss. She stated that the death of 12 children in a single incident is a tragedy that has shaken the nation and reaffirmed that the Department stands in solidarity with families and communities as they cope with this unimaginable loss.
Highlighting the importance of shared responsibility, the Minister stressed that safeguarding children requires the active participation of families, communities, transport operators, and all sectors of society. Children must be protected in every space where they live, learn, and travel.
In response to the incident, the Department is working closely with relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Education, to ensure that trauma counselling and psychosocial support services are provided to affected families, learners, and educators.
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