In a recent address at the Provincial Scholar Transport Stakeholder Engagement Meeting held at Johannesburg City Hall, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, emphasized the importance of scholar transport operators adhering to legal and safety obligations. The MEC outlined that transport operators must formalize their agreements with parents through signed documents that include indemnity forms, which transfer responsibility for learners during transport. This approach aims to enhance accountability and ensure safety in the scholar transport sector.

Additionally, MEC Diale-Tlabela stressed that vehicles utilized for transporting learners need to be roadworthy, ensuring that they meet necessary safety standards. Operators are also required to procure endorsement letters from School Governing Bodies (SGBs) or school principals, confirming their role in transportation from the schools. This engagement with educational institutions is vital for fostering a collaborative approach towards the safe transport of students, reflecting the government's commitment to prioritizing learner safety.

The meeting not only served as a platform for discussing these essential obligations but also highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and the Gauteng Department of Education to streamline the processes involved in scholar transport operations. The commitment shown by the MEC and the attendance of various stakeholders were indicative of a proactive approach to addressing challenges in the scholar transport sector, ultimately aiming to enhance the safety and reliability of transporting learners in Gauteng.