South Africans continue to grapple with grief and anger following the devastating Vaal scholar transport crash that claimed the lives of 14 learners, with public figures adding their voices to the growing calls for accountability. Among them is Impilo Ye Piano reality TV star and singer Nobantu Vilakazi, who has called for severe punishment for the 22-year-old minibus driver involved in the tragedy.
On Wednesday, 21 January 2026, the Gauteng Department of Education released a tribute poster officially naming the 12 learners who lost their lives in the crash that occurred in Vanderbijlpark on Monday, 19 January. The accident involved a collision between a minibus taxi transporting schoolchildren and a truck. The tragedy deepened when two more pupils later succumbed to their injuries on Thursday, 22 January, bringing the death toll to 14.
The release of the tribute poster sparked an outpouring of emotion across the country, as South Africans mourned the young lives lost and expressed outrage over yet another deadly road accident involving scholar transport. Celebrities and ordinary citizens alike shared messages of condolence and solidarity with the grieving families.
Reacting to the tribute post, Nobantu Vilakazi did not hold back. Taking to the comments section, the Vula Mlomo singer expressed her anger and heartbreak, calling for the driver responsible to face severe consequences. “Ukuphi lo Driver ye? (Where is the driver?) No, maahn that man must suffer ngeke,” she wrote, accompanied by crying and broken-heart emojis. Her comment echoed the sentiments of many South Africans who believe justice must be served for the families of the victims.
Vilakazi’s reaction reflects a broader national frustration over the safety of scholar transport and the perceived lack of accountability when preventable tragedies occur. Many have called on authorities to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable, while also demanding stricter regulations and enforcement to protect schoolchildren on the roads.
Actress Gugu Gumede was among other public figures who responded to the tragedy, sharing a heartfelt message of sympathy for the families affected. Her words, like many others, highlighted the collective mourning felt across the nation and the deep emotional impact of losing children in such a sudden and violent manner.
As investigations into the crash continue, pressure is mounting on law enforcement and government officials to act decisively. For families, communities and voices like Nobantu Vilakazi’s, the hope is that justice, accountability and meaningful change will follow — so that no more young lives are lost in similar circumstances.
