Lenasia Model Primary Closure Catches Parents by Surprise, Sparks Outrage
Lenasia – Parents of learners at Lenasia Model Primary School woke up to a shocking announcement on Friday morning, learning that the school would shut its doors for the day and again on Monday due to an ongoing strike by local scholar transport associations. This sudden closure has left families scrambling for alternatives, sparking widespread anger and frustration among the community who feel caught off guard by the lack of earlier notice.
The trouble started just a day earlier, on Thursday, when a major crackdown on scholar transport vehicles took place in the area. More than 60 vehicles were impounded during a surprise operation aimed at checking safety and compliance standards. This blitz has directly led to the strike, as transport operators protest what they see as harsh actions without enough support to meet requirements.
Background to the Impoundment and Strike
The operation on Thursday involved checking vehicles for roadworthiness, proper permits, and safe carrying capacity. During the checks, authorities found issues like overloading, which resulted in two drivers being arrested on the spot. One vehicle was reported to have 23 pupils crammed into a 14-seater bus, highlighting serious safety risks that the crackdown aimed to address.
Transport operators have hit back, saying the government needs to speed up the process for issuing specialised permits. They argue that without quicker approvals, many vehicles cannot operate legally, leading to disruptions like the current strike. This action has halted services for thousands of learners who rely on these buses and taxis to get to school each day.
The strike’s timing could not be worse, coming just weeks into the 2026 academic year. Schools reopened earlier in January, and families were already adjusting to routines. Now, with no transport available, parents face tough choices like keeping children at home or finding costly private options.
Parents’ Frustrations Boil Over
Disgruntled parents gathered outside the school gates on Friday, voicing their upset over the last-minute communication. One parent, Sthokoza Ngubane, described the situation as unacceptable, pointing out how it disrupts children’s education and family plans. “We only found out this morning from the principal,” she said, echoing the feelings of many who felt blindsided.
Families explained that without scholar transport, getting to school becomes a nightmare, especially for those living further away. Some parents work early shifts and rely on these services to ensure their kids arrive safely and on time. The closure extends to Monday, adding more pressure as the week ahead looms without clear resolutions.
This is not just about one school; similar issues have rippled across nearby areas, affecting places like Lenasia South Secondary School. In one recent incident, a scholar transport vehicle heading there had to stop due to smoke coming from the engine, causing panic but no injuries. Such events underline the fragile state of the system, where breakdowns and strikes can halt learning overnight.
Government’s Role and Response
The impoundment was part of a broader push to improve safety in scholar transport, led by efforts to enforce rules strictly. This comes after a string of tragic accidents that have shaken communities. Just days ago, on Monday, 19 January 2026, a devastating crash in Vanderbijlpark claimed the lives of 12 learners when their private transport vehicle collided with a truck. Eleven died at the scene, and one more passed away in hospital.
That incident happened around 07:00 on Fred Droste Road, involving a side tipper truck. The driver of the scholar vehicle now faces court proceedings, with families still mourning the loss. Government officials have extended deepest condolences to affected families, calling it a heartbreaking reminder of the need for safer transport.
In response to such tragedies, authorities have stepped up inspections, like the one in Lenasia. The goal is to prevent overloading, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and protect children. However, transport associations argue that while safety is key, the crackdown feels punitive without help to comply, such as faster permit processing or funding for upgrades.
Education officials in Gauteng have expressed devastation over these events. They stress that learner safety comes first, but disruptions like school closures harm education rights. Plans are underway to address systemic issues, including better coordination between transport and education departments.
Broader Challenges in Scholar Transport
This closure highlights deeper problems in South Africa’s scholar transport system. Across provinces, families face unreliable services, from non-payments leading to strikes in places like the Eastern Cape to accidents in the North West and Gauteng. In one village near Mahikeng, residents have vowed not to send children to school due to inconsistent buses, forcing long walks that put kids at risk.
Recent reports point to structural failures, like delays in providing transport for all qualifying learners. Inquiries have found violations of children’s right to basic education when services fall short. With 2026 just starting, these issues have already led to lost school days and heightened tensions.
Communities call for urgent fixes, such as more funding for vehicles, stricter but supportive regulations, and better communication. Parents want advance warnings about strikes or closures, while operators seek fair treatment to keep services running smoothly.
Looking Ahead: Resolutions and Hopes
As the strike continues into Monday, talks between transport associations and government officials are expected to ramp up. The aim is to resolve permit issues quickly and get vehicles back on the road safely. For now, Lenasia Model Primary School remains closed, but efforts are being made to minimise further disruptions.
Parents hope this sparks real change, ensuring scholar transport is reliable, safe, and accessible. In a country where education is a key to brighter futures, no child should miss out due to transport woes. As families navigate this tough time, the community stands united in demanding better for their little ones.
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