Gauteng's MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has emphasised the urgent need for passenger activism and increased awareness regarding safe travel practices following a harrowing accident on the N12, which took four young lives on Monday, 10 March 2025.
The collision, which involved multiple vehicles, occurred westbound along the N12 before the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Daveyton, within the City of Ekurhuleni.
Initial reports indicate that a private scholar transport vehicle, a Toyota Verso, was carrying several young learners when it collided with other vehicles.
The incident resulted in the death of four pupils aged between five and nine years, while four others were rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment.
The deceased children hailed from various schools: two were students at Tom Newby School and were related, another attended Rynfield Primary, and the fourth was enrolled at Griffcats Tutor Centre, all in Benoni.
Diale-Tlabela offered her heartfelt condolences to the families affected. “We are deeply saddened by this accident and convey our deepest condolences to families and loved ones of the victims,” she stated. “As a department, we continue to plead with drivers to be alert at all times, adhere to speed limits, exercise patience, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and, most importantly, make informed decisions that will save lives on our roads.”
Moreover, Diale-Tlabela underscored the shared responsibility of road safety, stating, “While drivers bear the greatest responsibility for decisions relating to road use, passenger activism and awareness are equally important.”
The Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, who confirmed the deaths detailed that in recognition of the emotional toll this tragedy has placed on the school communities, the Gauteng Department of Education's Psycho-Social Support Unit has been dispatched to Tom Newby and Rynfield Primary Schools.
Chiloane explains that their goal is to provide immediate counselling services to students and educators, who are grappling with the grief and shock of this heartbreaking news.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of these young learners whose lives were tragically cut short by this unfortunate incident,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, friends, and the school communities during this painful period. The Department stands ready to provide the necessary support to all affected.”
Saturday Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za