VANDERBIJLPARK, GAUTENG — Communities across the Vaal region came together this week to mourn 14 young learners who died in a devastating scholar transport crash on 19 January 2026 near Vanderbijlpark. The minibus taxi carrying the children collided with a truck on Fred Droste Road (R553) during the morning school commute, leaving families shattered and schools in deep grief. 
Following emotional memorial services, a mass funeral was held at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground in Sebokeng on Sunday, 25 January, where communities united to say their final goodbyes. Many families also held individual burial services in Sebokeng and surrounding areas, laying their loved ones to rest close to home. 
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi attended memorial events and funeral services, offering condolences to grieving parents and caregivers. He described the crash as a “tragic loss for our province” and urged stronger safety measures for scholar transport. Lesufi reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to supporting bereaved families and improving vehicle and driver oversight to prevent similar tragedies in future. 
The accident has sparked widespread calls for stricter enforcement of scholar transport regulations, better vehicle roadworthiness checks, and improved training for drivers entrusted with children’s daily journeys to and from school.
As the Vaal region mourns, communities are also pressing for meaningful reforms to honour the children’s memories and safeguard the future of other learners.
