SEDIBA SA BANNA DEVASTATED BY VANDERBIJLPARK MASSACRE!

Sediba sa Banna chairman, Nicholas Thipe has passed on his organisation’s condolences following the devastating Vanderbijlpark accident on Monday, 19 January 2026 where 14 learners lost their lives.

Eye witnesses have given account that the minibus driver was extremely reckless, overtaking over four cars in front of him, ignoring that there was a side-tipper truck that was approaching in the opposite direction.

“We, as Sediba sa Banna, would like to pass our deepest condolences to the families, friends, schools, and communities affected by this devastating loss of the 14 learners whose lives were cut short by a reckless irresponsible scholar transport driver who led these children to their untimely death – very painful,”said Thipe.

However, he hit to the reality that “no parent should ever have to bury a child.”

He continued that they are calling on authorities to take action and deal harshly with the driver who survived the crash.

“As a men’s organisation committed to responsible fatherhood, leadership, and community accountability, we feel compelled to speak honestly and firmly,” he said.

“While we call on government to act, we must also look at ourselves as parents and guardians.”

Thipe called on parents to take responsibility for the decisions they make by allowed unroadworthy taxis transporting their children.

“It is painful to say, but some parents knowingly allow their children to be transported in unroadworthy vehicles, driven by reckless or unfit drivers,” he said.

“When we are aware of the risks and still choose convenience over safety, we fail our children. The safety of our children cannot be negotiated. As parents, we must do what is right, even when it is difficult or costly. Saying no to unsafe transport is an act of love and protection.

“At the same time, we strongly call on the relevant government departments, particularly Education and Transport at both provincial and national levels, to enforce the law without fear or favour. Unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles must be taken off the road, and those who put children’s lives at risk must be held accountable. Enforcement should not only happen after lives are lost, but before tragedy strikes. Let this painful moment be a turning point.”

Protecting our children is a shared responsibility between parents, communities, transport operators, and the state.

He concluded that they owe it to the 14 young souls lost to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.