Scholar transport drivers in the Western Cape are gaining more than just a check-up they’re getting peace of mind, sharper vision, and renewed confidence to carry the future of South Africa safely.
In May, over 80 drivers took part in free health and eye screenings at Noluthando School for the Deaf in Khayelitsha and Glenbridge Special School in Diep River. The screenings were made possible through the Discovery Safe Journeys to School (DSJTS) programme in collaboration with GUUD Drivers.
Since December 2023, 193 drivers in the Western Cape and Gauteng have benefited from similar health interventions.
A Programme with a Purpose
The DSJTS programme was launched in 2013 after a tragic school transport accident. Its goal is to protect learners by supporting the drivers who transport them daily.
The programme takes a three-pronged approach:
- Skills development
- Health and wellness support
- Technology and telematics
Enrolled drivers receive ongoing training, driving behaviour monitoring, and access to services like these vital health screenings.
“We do this because the health of our drivers directly impacts the safety of the children in their care,” said Quinlyn Johnston, DSJTS programme representative.
“If a driver’s vision is impaired or they’re unknowingly living with high blood pressure, it compromises their ability to drive safely.”
Silent Risks Behind the Wheel
At the May sessions, drivers were tested for hypertension and underwent eye exams. Many were shocked to discover they had dangerously high blood pressure , often called “the silent killer.”
Untreated hypertension can lead to fatigue, strokes, heart attacks, or even sudden loss of consciousness , consequences that are especially dangerous when behind the wheel.
Vision decline was another commonly flagged issue. Because eyesight often worsens gradually, many drivers didn’t realise how poor their vision had become until it started affecting their driving. At Glenbridge, drivers who needed help were issued single-vision prescription glasses.
“I feel so much safer now that I can see clearly. I’m not worried anymore,” said one driver, who had never had an eye test before.
Breaking Barriers to Health Care
These sessions didn’t just detect health risks , they created access.
For some drivers, it was their first interaction with any form of medical care in years. Many scholar-transport drivers operate informally and can’t afford check-ups or medication. By bringing services into the communities, the programme helps eliminate these barriers.
One driver said he had been feeling dizzy and tired but had no idea his blood pressure was so high.
“Now I know what to do , I’m taking steps to manage it.”
The sessions also helped drivers complete paperwork to renew their Professional Driving Permits (PRDPs) , critical for staying legally compliant and employed.
Safer Drivers, Safer Children
The programme is showing measurable impact. According to Discovery Insure’s telematics data, drivers who join DSJTS improve their driving behaviour within a year.
With over 800 drivers enrolled and more than 24,000 learners transported daily, the programme proudly reports no major accidents or fatalities among participating drivers since its launch.
“Healthy drivers are safer drivers,” the DSJTS team emphasised.
“When we invest in their well-being, we’re investing in every child they carry.”
As South Africa continues to confront high road fatality rates, the DSJTS programme stands out as a model for what’s possible , when safety, care, and dignity are placed at the heart of school transport.
