20 learners injured in a minibus taxi accident in Mpendle at 07h30: Duma has been informed that law enforcement agencies are looking for the driver who fled the scene
Media and Public Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma
15 September 2025
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: My office has been alerted by the Director of Community Service under Impendle Local Municipality, Mr Thami Mkhulisa about a minibus taxi accident in KwaKhetha Bridge on P127.
About 20 learners were seriously injured when the minibus taxi veered off the road and plunged few meters down the bridge.
Most disturbing is that the taxi driver disappeared and law enforcement agencies are looking for him.
Learners are from Matomela High School, Luthando High School and Sthunjwana Primary School. They have beeen taken to Gomane Clinic and Harry Gwala Regional Hospital (Edendale Hospital).
Unfortunately, this is the third accident involving a school learner transport in Umgungundlovu District within four days. Three learners died on Thursday, and others are still in the hospital.
We are calling on the South African National Taxi Council in KwaZulu-Natal to come closer to these accidents involving taxi associations.
The Automobile Association estimates 70,000 minibus taxi crashes annually, with taxis experiencing double the crash rate of other passenger vehicles.
I wish to announce that we have resolved to form a partnership with the Vehicle Testing Association (VTA).
The association is a member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and represents the private vehicle testing stations involved in the testing and issuing of roadworthy certificates in terms of the National Road Traffic Act and SABS 10047.
We have agreed to work together to isolate elements that are operating vehicles without roadworthy certificates and to ensure that those issuing fraudulent certificates are arrested.
Importantly, as we count down to October, the Transport Month, we will announce our collaboration with the Vehicle Testing Association (VTA) to do the following: –
1. Strengthen legislation governing the taxi and scholar transport industry, with clear provisions on driver vetting, vehicle standards, and operational oversight.
2. Enforcing stricter compliance and accountability measures across the province, supported by transparent reporting and independent audits.
3. Require biannual Certificates of Roadworthiness (COF) for all heavy passenger vehicles, replacing the current annual requirement.
4. Ensure that all minibuses are inspected within the KZN province, at accredited municipal or private testing, and in alignment with their designated route permits.
Ends
Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma
