Government tightens school transport regulations

By Staff Reporter

The government is finalising a Statutory Instrument to strengthen safety regulations for learner transportation following the Senga kombi fire disaster that claimed the lives of seven schoolchildren.
The announcement was made by Primary and Secondary Education minister Torerai Moyo, during a mass funeral held at Gweru Sports Club on Wednesday.
The service was attended by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, senior government officials, religious leaders, and thousands of mourners.
Moyo said the new regulations are aimed at improving safety standards for school transport operators and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The funeral also drew support from the private sector, with River Valley Group of Companies suspending operations for the day to allow its management and employees to attend the service.
River Valley Group CEO Smelly Dube said the company chose to stand with the bereaved families during their time of grief.
“As a company with deep roots in the community, we felt it was important to stand with the families affected by this tragedy. There are moments when humanity must come before business,” he said.
The company also provided fuel, groceries, and other assistance to the affected families.
During the funeral service, River Valley distributed commemorative T-shirts bearing the images of the seven children to family members, teachers, and classmates.
The Senga disaster has sparked renewed calls for stricter regulation of learner transportation, with the government indicating that the forthcoming legal framework will prioritise the safety and welfare of schoolchildren.
Mourners at the service called for collective efforts to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.