Ramaphosa mourns 13 Schoolchildren died to auto crash

It was reported that thirteen school pupils have died in South Africa after the minibus they were travelling in collided with a lorry at the south of the city of Johannesburg.

The crash happened on Monday morning at around 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) in Vanderbijlpark, the local education authority said.

Eleven students died at the scene, while two succumbed to their injuries later on and two other pupils remains in critical condition.

The minibus driver crashed into the lorry after attempting to overtake two vehicles, Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said while adding that a case of culpable homicide would be opened.
The minibus driver was “reportedly” being treated in hospital, the Gauteng province’ department of education said, the details of what happened to the lorry driver were “uncertain”, according to report.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who in a statement expressed sadness at the loss of life in a collision involving a scholar transport vehicle this morning, Monday, 19 January 2026.

The President said it particularly distressing that this incident has taken place on the day South African Human Rights Commission published a report on scholar transport in the North West.
The President’s thoughts are with the families, teachers, classmates and friends of the young victims.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners.”

Ramaphosa promised that the national and provincial authorities will provide families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support.