The department vowed to intensify driver screening efforts but offered no timeline for implementation.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has admitted that 3 400 scholar transport drivers have not been vetted against the Child Protection Register (CPR).
This was recently revealed by Education MEC Matome Chiloane in response to questions posed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
Legal compliance lacking
A statement by the DA on Monday quoted Section 126(1) of the Children’s Act. It stated, “Before a person is allowed to work with or have access to children at an institution providing welfare services to children […] the person managing the institution […] must establish whether or not that person is deemed unsuitable to work with children.”
However, the DA claims the GDE has failed to comply with this law and is shifting responsibility to bus owners and private operators.
“GDE has not received any status report for vehicles transporting learners. This is the competence of the Department of Community Safety,” Chiloane said.
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DA demands action
DA spokesperson for education, Michael Water slammed the department’s handling of the matter.
“The MEC should hang his head in shame for endangering our students’ lives by failing to vet drivers who have unrestricted access to children during their daily commutes to and from school,” said Waters.
“This failure could lead to incidents of sexual harassment against students and expose them to inappropriate materials.”
The party has vowed to report the department to the South African Human Rights Commission. They are calling for a forensic investigation.
“A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would implement the Children’s Act, placing strong emphasis on thoroughly vetting all individuals who work with our learners,” Waters said.
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Broader concerns
This revelation follows a previous scandal in which 12 teachers with sexual offence convictions were reportedly allowed to continue teaching in Gauteng schools.
The DA argues that the GDE’s continued failure to enforce child protection regulations indicates a systemic problem.
“This is essential to protect our students from any potential criminal intent that could endanger their future,” Waters concluded.
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