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MEC Violet Mathye condemns the use of bakkies to transport learners 30/07/2026

Limpopo - Office of the PremierRef: https://www.limpopo.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/MEC-Violet-Mathye-condemns-the-use-of-bakkies-to-transport-learners.pdf

Official source

Source domain: limpopo.gov.za

Collected on 31 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 31 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This is a media statement issued on 30 July 2026 by Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye, following a fatal learner crash in Dididi Village (Vhembe District). The statement condemns the use of “bakkies” (light delivery vehicles) to transport learners and says learners must only be transported in approved scholar transport vehicles as required by the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 and the National Land Transport Act, 2009. The Department states it will intensify operations targeting illegal scholar transport, with vehicles to be impounded and operators prosecuted, and it calls on parents and communities to refuse to put children in bakkies.

Facts

Places

Limpopo

Reference

https://www.limpopo.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/MEC-Violet-Mathye-condemns-the-use-of-bakkies-to-transport-learners.pdf

Key Takeaways

  • Date of statement: 30 July 2026
  • Incident location: Dididi Village, Vhembe District, Limpopo
  • Crash time: 12H00 on 30 July 2026
  • Fatality: 15-year-old male learner died
  • Injuries: 12 learners and the driver critically injured; 13 learners with slight injuries
  • Condemnation: continued use of light delivery vehicles (“bakkies”) to transport learners
  • Legal basis cited: National Road Traffic Act, 1996 and National Land Transport Act, 2009
  • Requirement: learners only in approved scholar transport vehicles (registered buses/midibuses with valid operating licence, roadworthy, proper seating, and drivers with valid Professional Driving Permit)
  • Enforcement: intensify operations targeting illegal scholar transport; impound vehicles; prosecute operators
  • Parties involved: Department of Transport and Community Safety, Department of Education, SAPS, Municipal Traffic Authorities
  • Condolences and recovery wishes to injured learners
  • Ms Violet Mathye
  • Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety
  • Department of Education
  • SAPS
  • Municipal Traffic Authorities
  • Mr. Tshifiwa Dali
  • Ms. Mashudu Mabata
  • Toyota Hilux Light Delivery Vehicle
  • Dididi Village
  • Vhembe District

Dates

Closing Date

30 July 2026