RTMC Flags Non-Compliance of Scholar Transport Operators Despite Fatal Crashes

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has raised serious concerns over the continued non-compliance of private scholar transport operators, describing their attitude toward passenger safety regulations as "intractable" despite recent fatal crashes and intensified law enforcement efforts.

The warning follows nationwide operations conducted across all provinces last week, which revealed widespread violations among vehicles transporting schoolchildren.

Over 1,000 Vehicles Found in Violation

According to RTMC data, 5 386 scholar transport vehicles were stopped and inspected during coordinated enforcement operations. Of these, 1 028 vehicles were found to be operating in violation of existing traffic and passenger transport laws.

The majority of non-compliant vehicles—589—were privately owned. In addition:

• 146 vehicles were contracted by parents

• 95 were contracted by the Department of Transport

• 11 were contracted by the Department of Basic Education

• Seven were school-owned vehicles

The findings highlight systemic compliance gaps across both private and contracted transport arrangements.

Permit Violations and Unlicensed Drivers

The RTMC reported that many vehicles were operating without the required public scholar transport permits. In other cases, drivers either did not possess valid driving licences and Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) or failed to produce them upon request.

These regulatory breaches raise significant safety concerns, particularly given that scholar transport vehicles are entrusted with the daily movement of children.

Authorities also identified numerous mechanical defects in inspected vehicles. Common issues included worn tyres, faulty brakes, and malfunctioning rear stop lamps—deficiencies that substantially increase the risk of accidents.

Enforcement Outcomes

As a result of the operations:

• 500 traffic fines were issued

• 219 vehicles were impounded

• Two vehicles were discontinued from operation

The RTMC further noted that most transgressors were between the ages of 18 and 35, followed by those aged between 35 and 45.

The statistics suggest that a considerable proportion of scholar transport drivers fall within relatively young age brackets, raising questions about experience levels, regulatory awareness, and adherence to safety standards.

Drunken Driving Arrests Add to Safety Concerns

In parallel enforcement operations, 418 motorists were arrested for drunken driving during the same week.

The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of arrests for driving under the influence, while Mpumalanga led in the number of vehicles impounded and discontinued.

The data reflects ongoing challenges in enforcing road safety compliance across multiple categories of motorists, not limited to scholar transport operators.

Renewed Call for Accountability

The RTMC's findings come against the backdrop of high-profile fatal crashes involving scholar transport vehicles, which have intensified public scrutiny and prompted stricter enforcement measures.

Despite these interventions, the continued non-compliance among operators underscores the need for sustained monitoring, stronger accountability mechanisms, and greater cooperation from private transport providers.

The Corporation has reiterated that ensuring the safety of schoolchildren remains a national priority and warned that enforcement operations will continue with heightened vigilance to compel compliance and prevent avoidable tragedies.