Learners using government-contracted buses in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, report chronic overloading that compromises their safety, a situation confirmed by direct observation. The free scholar transport service, managed by the Gauteng Department of Education, is intended to provide safe transit, but pupils describe standing on steps with doors open and aisles completely crammed.
GroundUp, a South African news outlet, observed multiple buses on different routes throughout February. Most vehicles lacked visible operator branding, though one was marked “Besedi Bus Hire.” On Tsamaya Avenue, learners were seen standing on the steps while the bus moved with its door open. Grade 12 student Given Makatu from Stanza Bopape Secondary School said he regularly stands with at least five others on the steps. “This is very scary. If we slip and fall while the bus is moving, we will be run over by cars travelling in the other lane,” he stated.
Phuthi Msimango, a grade 10 learner at Lehlabile Secondary, described being unable to move her limbs due to the density of passengers. While grateful for the free service, she expressed fear about questioning the driver over the consistent overloading. Parent Phumzile Mgidi, whose child is in grade 8 at Stanza Bopape, said the problem has persisted for at least two years. “We don’t want our children to die in an accident like those 14 learners who died in Vanderbijlpark,” she said, referencing the January 19 minibus-taxi collision that killed 14 pupils and prompted a province-wide crackdown on unroadworthy scholar transport.
Bus operator Tshepang Mabena admitted to overloading his vehicle, attributing the practice to delayed payments from the department. “I can transport learners in two loads and avoid overloading if the department can pay me on time every month,” he said.
The Gauteng Department of Education acknowledged the issue. Spokesperson Steve Mabona cited “high immigration into Gauteng, increased learner numbers in approved routes following admissions, and in some instances presence of unauthorised learners in buses” as contributing factors. The Tshwane Metro Police Department did not respond to enquiries.
The situation highlights a systemic challenge in providing safe, adequate scholar transport amid growing demand and operational constraints, raising concerns about the potential for fatal accidents similar to the Vanderbijlpark tragedy.
