PARENTS from various kasis around Durban have called on police and the KZN Transport Department to deal with the problem of some drivers transporting school children.
They’ve accused the drivers, known as omalume, of overloading their vans and private cars when taking their kids to school.
The parents say the omalume allegedly shove their kids in their cars like sacks of potatoes, despite parents paying transport fees in full every month.
A mother (29) from Ntuzuma, north of Durban, whose child attends a primary school in Newlands, told Daily Sun that she was forced to change her son’s malume on the second day of school.
“When I went past the van, there were about 25 kids squashed into a small bakkie. Some were sitting on benches, while others were sitting on the floor. What I saw pained my heart.”
Kwanele Ncalane, KZN Transport Department spokesman, said they condemn overloading and the use of bakkies and private cars as forms of school transport.
“There are safer modes of transport like buses and taxis. We will try our best to get police to do roadblocks.”
Superintendent S’bonelo Mchunu, Durban Metro police spokesman, said: “Parents who wish to lodge a formal complaint must call our office on 031 361 0000.”
