Gwarube to meet parents of children killed in scholar transport

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Newly appointed Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has pledged support to parents and staff of Rocklands Primary School in Carletonville, where families lost their children in a tragic accident that left several children dead on Wednesday.

One of the families lost a total of four children from one household who went to the school.

The accident took place in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong, West of Johannesburg, after a scholar transport minibus they were travelling in, was hit by a bakkie, causing it to overturn and subsequently started burning.

Investigations are currently under way to determine whether the scholar transport had a permit to ferry learners to school.

Gwarube says she will be meeting with affected family’s later today.

“Of course, the issue of scholar transport is one that incredibly important along with infrastructure is something that is very close to my heart because ultimately when leaners are going to school, they should not be in danger of being harmed on their way to school. Of course, it’s unclear as the investigation is still ongoing about this matter but scholar transport remains a big priority for us because we don’t want to lose learners. That is why I also want to go and send my condolences and my support to say I want the educators, principal and the parents of the school to know that they are not alone. We are going to go through with them in this difficult period.”