Families’ heartbreak captured live sparks outrage
The early hours of Monday, January 19, brought heartbreak to Vanderbijlpark when a scholar transport vehicle collided with a truck, tragically claiming the lives of 12 pupils. Families arrived at the scene to identify their children, only to have their grief broadcast live on Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405).
Award-winning SAfm presenter Bridget Masinga condemned the coverage as “heartless” and invasive. On X, she wrote:
“I understand reporting on the story as it unfolds; however, to put news cameras in the faces of parents who literally in that second are seeing the bodies of their lifeless children is heartless. It’s beyond invasive @Newzroom405 let’s remember to be humans in some moments.”
Masinga’s criticism echoed sentiments from the public, with many online calling for accountability. On TikTok, a clip showed a journalist attempting to interview distraught parents still waiting to identify their children, drawing further condemnation.
I understand reporting on the story as it unfolds, however to put news cameras in the faces of parents who literally in that second are seeing the bodies of their lifeless children is heartless.
It’s beyond invasive @Newzroom405 let’s remember to be humans in some moments— Bridget Masinga (@BridgetMasinga) January 19, 2026
Public figures weigh in
Singer Naledi Aphiwe expressed frustration with the focus on overloading rather than the driver’s actions. She argued that the fatal crash was caused by the driver overtaking multiple vehicles at high speed, not by the number of passengers.
“What does overload have to do with over-taking? Overload has nothing to do with that accident. South Africa will always fail us! Because the concern was the driver overtaking three to four cars! This is just making me more angry… Why are they so focused on the least important issue? 💔💔💔💔”
Aphiwe also shared her heartbreak with a simple caption: “Yoh that Vaal accident 💔💔💔💔.”
@southafricanupdates1 these journalists can’t be interviewing people in this state.💔 #breakingnews #newsupdate #tiktoksouthafrica #fypシ #viral_video ♬ original sound – southafricanupdates1
Official response
The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, offered condolences to the families via X:
“I am deeply devastated about the tragic fatal accident that happened in Vanderbijlpark this morning, claiming the lives of 13 learners. We send our deepest condolences to the families, friends and the schooling communities of these children.”
The Gauteng Department of Education later revised the death toll to 12. Authorities confirmed that only 11 of the deceased pupils had been identified, with one still unaccounted for.
I am deeply devastated about the tragic fatal accident that happened in Vanderbijlpark this morning; claiming the lives of 13 learners.
We send our deepest condolences to the families; friends and the schooling communities of these children.
Kubuhlungu ukulahlekelwa… pic.twitter.com/y8HciumwNe
— Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) January 19, 2026
Community shock and the debate on responsible reporting
Eyewitnesses reported that the scholar transport driver attempted to overtake several vehicles at once, and the vehicle was allegedly overloaded. While overloading is a persistent issue in South African scholar transport safety, critics argued it overshadowed the immediate cause of the tragedy: reckless driving.
The Vanderbijlpark tragedy has reignited conversations around journalistic ethics, particularly when reporting on human suffering. Social media users, including public figures like Masinga, have called for a more compassionate approach, reminding news outlets that the dignity of grieving families should never be compromised for ratings or sensationalism.
In a country still grappling with road safety and school transport regulations, this incident underscores the delicate balance between reporting urgent news and respecting the privacy of victims in their most vulnerable moments.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Sunday World