SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NOT TRAINED – GOAL R 162 000

South Africa, is in a crisis with a dismal record of Bus & Coach crashes. 57 Dead and 348 known injured already in the first 6 months of 2019.

The question asked is. WHY……?

Available statistics indicate that 70 per cent of South Africa’s population is dependent on public transport (bus, commuter rail and taxis) for its mobility needs. There are about 25,000 buses in the industry in South Africa of which about 19 000 are involved in formal public transport activities

This could then equate to approximately 25, 000 bus drivers driving.

None of which have completed any formal legislative or mandatory bus driver training.

No legislative framework is in place for mandatory bus/coach driver training and qualification.

Whereas by international standards a separate license is required to operate a passenger carrying vehicle. South African bus/coach driver’s license qualification is a truck driver license.

TSTC (PTY) Ltd) The School Transport Corporation) in addressing these issues, and regularly corresponds with authorities in creating the necessary awareness to establish mandatory school bus driver training for all school bus drivers in South Africa

TSTC (PTY) Ltd have approached SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) regarding the criteria required to recognize a school bus driver training qualification.

SAQA are happy to address this. However, they do require written standards and training processes before they can consider allocating a Qualification Standard.

In achieving the SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) standard in South Africa requires:

1) Acquiring a similar standard used worldwide which can be applied to South Africa.

2) Amending this to apply to South African standards and documenting the actual standard.

3) Lodgement as a qualification with SAQA.

Process to achieving such a standard:

1) A School transport company in Porterville, California, USA has very graciously offered the two week “Train the Trainer” school bus driver course valued at R52 122 ($3 600) free of charge.

2) Costs associated to visiting Porterville are for the account of TSTC (PTY) Ltd. These costs including
Flights, Visa, Accommodation etc. and amount to about R60 000. ($4 145)

3) Costs associated to Registering standard with SAQA is R42 000 ($2 900)

4) Costs of amendment of the USA (California) Standard to South African requirements amounts to
about 3 months labour, stationary, communications etc…. R60 000 ($4 144)

Total funding required: R162 000 ($11 188)

Further possible consideration: Training of 10 drivers at no charge to the driver or school once achieving Training standard and accreditation with SAQA. This will be the measurement to prove to the authorities how a fully trained school bus driver can operate a school bus professionally. Costs associated to this training would be in the region of: R140 000 ($9 661)

Thank you for your support and generosity.