After Carletonville crash, Gauteng Education Dept vows to overhaul scholar transport system

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Education Department has vowed to overhaul the scholar transport system, starting with an imbizo, after 11 children lost their lives in a horror crash in Carletonville.

The tragic accident prompted the Gauteng government to review its learner transport policies, with MEC Matome Chiloane acknowledging the faults in the system.

A joint memorial service in honour of the victims was held at the Grace Bible Church in Carletonville on Tuesday.

The tragedy sparked outrage among parents, who bemoaned the scholar transport system in the province.

Speaking during the memorial service on Tuesday, Education MEC Matome Chiloane noted the concerns and said his department would engage with the Merafong Local municipality and parents to address the issue.

Chiloane added that this tragedy required extra support that his department would provide.

"We will continue to support the families to ensure that there’s a progression, we will support the learners those learners who survived the tragedy we know it can’t be easy."

Meanwhile, police investigations into the cause of the tragedy are continuing.