Thank you, Mr Speaker. I'm speaking as loudly as I can. The DA was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic accident involving learners from Rheenendal Primary School near Knysna yesterday morning, in which at least 14 learners died. In one family three people died and in another two lives were lost. On behalf of the DA, I would like to extend our condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and say that they are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Officials of the Eden and Central Karoo Education District of the Western Cape Education Department arrived on the scene soon after hearing of the accident. Both the MEC for Education, Mr Donald Grant, and the MEC for Transport, Mr Robin Carlisle, rushed to the scene to set up the investigation and comfort those who had lost their young ones. While we cannot speculate on the reasons for the crash at this stage, we welcome fully the investigation by the Western Cape Education Department into the cause of the accident.
We also welcome the commitment by the Western Cape Department of Transport to look at ways to strengthen the related transport regulations. It is important that vehicles providing the service must carry only the prescribed and licensed number of passengers. The operator, the school, the parents and the children should all know these limitations and refuse to travel on any vehicle exceeding the limits. There should be no compromises. The DA deeply laments this loss of lives.