North West Legislature Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management Probes Learner Safety and Infrastructure Challenges During Oversight Visits

On Tuesday, 21 October 2025, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management (CoSaTMA), chaired by Hon Freddy Sonakile, had its hands full as it embarked on oversight visits across the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District as part of the Legislature’s Oversight Week Programme.

The Committee visited several key sites, including Duduetsang Primary School in Ventersdorp, Klerkskraal Police Station, and the Ventersdorp Weighbridge, where multiple service delivery shortcomings were discovered.

At Duduetsang Primary School, the Committee found that only one bus is servicing 144 learners, resulting in daily overloading and exposing learners to serious safety risks.

Hon. Sonakile described the situation as “a disaster waiting to explode, one that must be stopped in its tracks before tragedy strikes.” The Committee emphasized that the Department must provide a second bus to the school as a matter of urgency, stating that “children cannot be squeezed into a bus as if they are not human beings.” The Committee also expressed concern that traffic law enforcement officials have turned a blind eye to this ongoing violation of safety regulations.

At the Ventersdorp Weighbridge, the Committee expressed frustration that, despite two prior visits by the Legislature in the previous term, none of the then Committee’s recommendations were implemented, a situation it described as unacceptable and reflective of weak departmental accountability.

The facility is in a concerning state, despite its vital role in road safety enforcement. The site suffers from non-functional infrastructure, poor maintenance, and inadequate staffing. Toilets are not working, forcing officers to relieve themselves in nearby bushes, while others act as “human robots,” manually directing trucks due to the lack of robots and proper signage.

At Klerkskraal Police Station the Committee noted some progress since its predecessors’ last visits, including functional lighting, CCTV cameras, and commendable general upkeep of the facility. The station only requested that SAPS expedite the repair of holding cells, which have been closed for several years. The station also raised concerns about delays in tyre orders, after requests were submitted as early as January this year with no delivery to date.

Committee members resolved that relevant directorates within the Department must attend to all identified “quick fixes” urgently, with the Committee Researcher tasked to follow up and verify implementation progress.

“Oversight without accountability is meaningless. Where we find neglect, we will demand consequence and action,” concluded Hon. Sonakile.

Members of the Media who would like to arrange for interviews can contact Ms. Namhla Luhabe on 079 527 0628.

Ends

Issued by: North West Provincial Legislature: Media & Communications Unit on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management – Hon Freddy Sonakile