The nation is in mourning following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of 13 school learners after a scholar transport minibus collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, on Monday morning.

Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing the loss as “heartbreaking and deeply painful for the entire country.”

According to reports, the fatal crash occurred on 19 January 2026, cutting short young lives as they were travelling to school.

“The loss of thirteen children in one incident is unimaginable,” said Minister Tolashe. “We mourn with the families, schools and communities whose lives have been shattered by this tragedy. Our hearts are with them during this dark time.”

As the custodian of the Children’s Act (38 of 2005), the Department of Social Development stressed that the incident serves as a painful reminder that child protection is a responsibility that must be upheld every day, everywhere  including on the roads.

“Children must be safe in every space where they live, learn and travel,” the Minister emphasised. “Their protection cannot be seasonal or selective  it must be constant.”

The Department confirmed it is working closely with the Department of Basic Education and other stakeholders to ensure that trauma counselling and psychosocial support are provided to affected families, learners and educators.

In a call to action, the Department urged communities, scholar transport operators and all sectors of society to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, reminding South Africans that every child has a constitutional right to life, dignity and protection.