KZN MEC Duma
In a bold move to tackle the growing number of road crashes involving school children, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has ordered the immediate removal of all scholar transport operators using unroadworthy vehicles. The directive, announced on Thursday, 26 September 2025, comes after a string of tragic incidents in the province, including a horrific crash two weeks ago where a minibus taxi carrying learners smashed into a pre-school in Pietermaritzburg, killing several at the scene. Duma’s action aims to protect young lives and restore safety on the roads, especially as October marks Transport Month with a focus on compliance.
The MEC’s tough stance follows complaints flooding in from areas like Pietermaritzburg, where parents and communities have raised alarms over risky transport. With the department vowing zero tolerance, road traffic officers have been told to be strict, pulling over and impounding any vehicles that do not meet standards. This crackdown is part of a wider push to audit private scholar transport and ensure only safe operators remain in service.
Recent Tragedies Highlight Urgent Need for Action
The province has seen a worrying rise in scholar transport accidents over the past few weeks, prompting Duma’s urgent response. On 16 September 2025, a minibus taxi ferrying 20 pupils to school in Impendle overturned, injuring all on board. Investigations revealed the driver had no licence, and the vehicle was unroadworthy, with faulty brakes and worn tyres contributing to the crash. The driver was arrested, facing charges of culpable homicide and reckless driving.
Just days later, a video surfaced showing pupils pushing a broken-down scholar transport vehicle in Pietermaritzburg, handed to Duma by the Vehicle Testing Association. The footage sparked outrage, with parents demanding better oversight. Duma condemned what he called “virtual impunity” for some operators in the city, saying they flout rules without fear of consequences.
“I have mandated the Acting Head of the Department to work with municipal managers to assemble teams of officials from the department, Department of Education, and municipalities to do an audit of private scholar transport in all municipalities under uMgungundlovu District,” Duma said at a memorial service for crash victims. The audit will check vehicle fitness, driver qualifications, and compliance, with non-compliant operators facing contract termination.
These incidents add to a grim tally: Over 50 children have died in scholar transport crashes nationwide this year, with KZN accounting for a significant share. Road safety experts blame ageing fleets, overloading, and poor maintenance, urging government to subsidise vehicle upgrades for operators serving rural and low-income areas.
Blue Light Abuse Condemned: Illegal Use Leads to Confiscations and Arrests
In a separate but related crackdown on road lawlessness, the KZN Transport Department has slammed the misuse of blue lights by unauthorised individuals, vowing legal action against offenders. This follows a roadblock in Umhlanga, north of Durban, last week where officers confiscated a blue dashboard light from a vehicle transporting a Nongoma Local Municipality official.
While the vehicle was carrying the deputy mayor, the department insists the light’s use violated Regulation 176 of the National Road Traffic Act (93 of 1996), which reserves blue lights for traffic officers, SAPS members, and SANDF military police. “Upon searching the vehicles, the RTI discovered they were in violation of regulation 176 of the National Road Traffic Act (93 of 1996). RTI found the following: One Blue Light: reserved for Traffic Officers, Members of the South African Police Service and Members of the SANDF Military Police,” Duma said during a media briefing on Friday.
The Acting Municipal Manager from Nongoma confirmed the drivers were unaware of the rules, but Duma stressed ignorance is no excuse. “Our RTI has subsequently been contacted by the Acting Municipal Manager from Nongoma Local Municipality. He confirmed that the drivers were transporting the deputy mayor and that they were not aware of the legal framework regarding identification lights,” he added.
The Umhlanga operation also netted 24 arrests for drunk driving, including two SAPS officers and a taxi driver overloaded with 24 passengers. Duma praised the “Zero Tolerance | No Nonsense | Alufakwa” campaign, which saw blue lights confiscated and vehicles impounded. Similar blitzes have occurred across the province, with scores of drunk motorists arrested in early morning checks.
Blue light abuse has become a growing concern, often used by criminals or unauthorised officials to intimidate others or evade traffic laws. In KZN, where road fatalities exceed 1,500 annually, such violations contribute to chaos, with experts calling for stricter enforcement and public education.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube