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Learners who were once beaming with life and ambition met their untimely death while on their way to school in their scholar transport. 12 learners lost their lives from this accident.
Reports are that, the scholar transport was involved in an accident with a truck on Monday, 19 January 2026, morning. 11 learners died at the scene while five including the driver were rushed to hospital. Reports are that, the truck driver fled the scene. The death toll now sits at 12.
President Cyril Ramaphosa in his statement said it is particularly distressing that this incident has taken place on the day the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has published a report on scholar transport in the North West.
The Presidency says the thoughts of the President are with the families, teachers, classmates and friends of the young victims.
“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners,” said Ramaphosa.
President Ramaphosa says national and provincial authorities will provide families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support.
