Authored by: Captain SA |SA Rainbow News | 20 January 2026
MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Issued by:
Thembisa Parliament | BAFO Ekurhuleni Helping Community | Soil of Africa
THE TRAGIC LOSS OF LEARNERS IN THE VANDERBIJLPARK SCHOLAR TRANSPORT ACCIDENT
As Thembisa Parliament, BAFO Ekurhuleni Helping Community, and Soil of Africa, we are overwhelmed by profound grief, pain, and deep anguish following the devastating head-on collision between a heavy truck and a scholar transport vehicle that occurred in Vanderbijlpark. This heartbreaking tragedy has now claimed the lives of 14 innocent learners, with several others left in critical condition and currently fighting for their lives in hospital. The magnitude of this loss has left families, schools, and communities shattered and struggling to comprehend such unbearable sorrow.
#VanderbijlparkTragedy #ScholarTransport #NationalMourning
Today, our hearts are broken beyond words. Children who left their homes with schoolbags, dreams, and hope will never return. Their laughter has been silenced, their futures cut short, and their families plunged into a pain no parent should ever be forced to endure. The cruelty of preparing a child for school only to later be called to identify their lifeless body is a wound too deep for words.
#OurChildrenMatter #GoneTooSoon #CommunityInPain
As TP, BAFO Ekurhuleni Helping Community, and Soil of Africa, we mourn not from a distance, but from within the same pain gripping the families of the departed learners. We share in the tears of mothers, fathers, grandparents, and siblings whose lives have been permanently altered in a single moment. This tragedy has torn through the very heart of our communities, leaving behind silence filled with grief, confusion, and sorrow.
#WeMournTogether #CommunitySolidarity #JusticeForLearners
In this moment, our focus is on love, compassion, and human solidarity. We stand firmly with the grieving families and the learners who remain critically injured. We call on society, leadership, and communities to surround these families with care, comfort, and compassion. No family should walk this painful journey alone.
#Ubuntu #SupportTheFamilies #HealingTogether
TP, BAFO Ekurhuleni Helping Community, and Soil of Africa extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their beloved children. We grieve with you, we mourn with you, and we hold you in our hearts during this darkest hour. To the injured learners, we pray for strength, healing, and recovery, and we stand with your families in hope and solidarity.
#Condolences #PrayersForHealing #StrengthToFamilies
May the souls of the departed learners rest in eternal peace. May their families find strength in the love and support of the nation. May compassion guide us all as we mourn together during this painful time.
#RestInPeace #NeverForgotten #ALUTAContinua
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Vusimuzi Vilakazi:
“The death toll in this tragic accident has risen to 14 learners. It has now been confirmed that the driver was recklessly attempting to overtake four vehicles when the head-on collision with the truck occurred. We must also address the issue of cost-cutting, where taxis operating within townships are used as scholar transport due to cheaper rates. These drivers often rush to return to taxi operations, putting children’s lives at risk.”
#RoadSafety #EndRecklessDriving #ProtectOurChildren
Queen Milly:
“This is extremely painful. Imagine four children from the same household losing their lives—the Hlalele family—simply due to rushing. This is heartbreaking.”
#CommunityPain #FamiliesInMourning
Khayanga:
“My long-standing position is that normal taxis should never be used for scholar transport. There must be a dedicated, government-subsidised transportation system to ensure the safety of our children. Government must also develop a long-term plan to ensure that no child travels more than five kilometres from home to school. This is a national tragedy. We are deeply hurt by the loss of these young lives, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to families, neighbours, and friends.”
#PolicyChangeNow #SafeTransport #NationalResponsibility
