23/01/2026
Dear Parents
In response to the recent unfortunate incident involving the loss of 14 young lives, we aim to utilise our experience in the scholar transport sector to guide you in making well-informed decisions.
It is crucial to verify that any entity or individual providing transportation services for your children adheres to all legal stipulations.
By law, any individual or company offering scholar transport service is required to have a operating permitt for scholar transport
These permits are issued by the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works,and their enforcement is managed by the City's regulatory bodies.(Transport supplied by the Department of Education rules may differ)
Operators are mandated to comply with rigorous regulations, which include holding valid operating licenses and Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs), ensuring vehicle roadworthiness (evidenced by fitness certificates, seatbelts, and proper markings), and maintaining comprehensive documentation.
Driver Requirements:
* Professional Driving Permit (PrDP): Drivers are required to hold a valid PrDP specifically for public transport.
* Register of scholars and parents details to be kept in the vehicle.
* Valid License: A current and valid driver's license is compulsory.
You are fully within your rights to request verification of these credentials.
Vehicle Requirements:
* Registration & Licensing:All vehicles must be appropriately registered and licensed. ( With valid road worthy disc license disc and operating permit disc displayed on the windscreen )
* Roadworthiness: Vehicles are subject to mandatory roadworthy inspections every six months.( For scholar Transport Vehicles )
* Markings: Vehicles must be clearly identified as "Scholar Transport.
* Capacity: The specified passenger capacity must be displayed inside the vehicle and strictly observed; overloading is unequivocally prohibited.
* Safety Features: Every child must have access to a seatbelt (with appropriate car seats provided for children under three years of age). A fire extinguisher ( indate an filled) and a first-aid kit are also mandatory.
* Prohibited Vehicles:Certain unauthorized vehicle types, such as open-bed vehicles and bakkies , are not permitted for scholar transport.
Given the prevalence of scholar transport advertisements on social media platforms, we urge you to request proof of legality from any company or individual offering such services.
Let us collectively ensure the safety of our children by making informed decisions.
