Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
09/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/11/2025 06:09
Media Statement: Basic Education Committee Chairperson Saddened by Deaths of Learners in Kwazulu-Natal
Parliament, Thursday, 11 September 2025 - The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has expressed shock and deep sadness following the tragic accident in KwaZulu-Natal, where a minibus taxi transporting learners to school lost control and plunged into Senzokuhle Crèche and Primary School in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg.
According to preliminary reports, five learners lost their lives, while 11 others sustained injuries.
Ms Maimela said: "We want to express our sincerest condolences to the parents, families, friends and school communities at large. No words can adequately capture the grief of losing young lives in such a sudden and tragic manner. The committee stands in solidarity with the affected families and the broader community during this painful time."
The committee also extended its thoughts to the injured learners and wished them a speedy recovery.
Ms Maimela called for road safety around schools to be prioritised and emphasised the need for strict compliance with learner transport safety regulations. "The safety of our learners on their way to and from school is non-negotiable. We urge all relevant authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. We must ensure that parents can have confidence that their children will travel safely to school each day," Ms Maimela added.
The committee further urged all stakeholders - including provincial departments, law enforcement agencies and transport operators - to work together to ensure that learner transport systems are safe, reliable and compliant with the law.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION, MS JOY MAIMELA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: [email protected]
According to preliminary reports, five learners lost their lives, while 11 others sustained injuries.
Ms Maimela said: "We want to express our sincerest condolences to the parents, families, friends and school communities at large. No words can adequately capture the grief of losing young lives in such a sudden and tragic manner. The committee stands in solidarity with the affected families and the broader community during this painful time."
The committee also extended its thoughts to the injured learners and wished them a speedy recovery.
Ms Maimela called for road safety around schools to be prioritised and emphasised the need for strict compliance with learner transport safety regulations. "The safety of our learners on their way to and from school is non-negotiable. We urge all relevant authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. We must ensure that parents can have confidence that their children will travel safely to school each day," Ms Maimela added.
The committee further urged all stakeholders - including provincial departments, law enforcement agencies and transport operators - to work together to ensure that learner transport systems are safe, reliable and compliant with the law.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION, MS JOY MAIMELA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: [email protected]
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