• Thirteen schoolchildren have died in a minibus crash in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.
• The minibus collided with a truck on the way to school, raising concerns about road safety.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa calls for stricter enforcement of road safety measures.
• Investigations suggest reckless driving may have been a contributing factor.
• The tragic incident highlights a series of deadly transport accidents in the country.

At least thirteen schoolchildren lost their lives in a tragic minibus crash near Johannesburg when their vehicle collided with a truck in Vanderbijlpark. The accident occurred on Monday morning, resulting in eleven deaths at the scene and two more later in the hospital, with three additional children sustaining critical injuries, according to Reuters and BBC.

The local education authority indicated that the driver reportedly lost control of the minibus while attempting to overtake other vehicles, a dangerous maneuver which may have contributed to the crash. Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident; a case for culpable homicide has been opened, per reports from South China Morning Post and Africa News.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences and emphasized the urgent need for better enforcement of road safety laws and improvements in school transportation services. He noted, "Our children are the nation's most precious assets," highlighting the necessity of protecting them during their commutes, according to Reuters and Africa News.

The incident underscores the broader issue of road safety in South Africa, where a staggering 11,418 road deaths were reported last year. Fatalities frequently stem from reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding and vehicle maintenance issues. The transport ministry continues to face challenges in addressing this ongoing crisis, as noted by South China Morning Post and BBC.