Statement by Donald Grant, MEC for Education in the Western Cape

This afternoon, at approximately 14h30, 14 October 2009, a minibus transporting learners from Swartland Primary School and Swartland High School was involved in an accident just south of Malmesbury.

The Ministry is currently in the process of obtaining more details on the accident, but it is believed that the driver of a light vehicle has been killed. We understand that one of the learners from Swartland Primary has been seriously injured, as well as the driver of the minibus transporting the learners.

The learner is reportedly receiving medical attention at the Swartland Hospital. The driver is currently at the Durbanville Medi-Clinic.

MEC for Education in the Western Cape Donald Grant has requested an update on their conditions.

We are still trying to establish the number of learners involved, however, it is reported that the rest of the learners have thankfully sustained only slight injuries.

WCED officials from the West Coast District office have visited the Primary School and have organised a psychologist to provide trauma counselling for the learners of both schools tomorrow.

MEC Grant is being updated on these events and expects to receive a report from the traffic department and district officials tomorrow morning.

The cause of the accident is yet unknown. It has also not been established whether the minibus was contracted by the WCED to transport the learners.

If the bus was contracted by the WCED to transport learners, the Department will be conducting a formal investigation into the accident in consultation with the school and relevant authorities.

For enquiries, contact Bronagh Casey:  072 724 1422 or brcasey@pgwc.gov.za.

Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za