Roadworthiness of bus operator

Question

I am a teacher near Amanzimtoti. I'm planning an educational excursion for my Grade 11 learners. I'm very concerned about their safety and I would like to know how I can go about ascertaining that the buses from bus tour operator that I will be choosing, actually are roadworthy. Please advise me as to where I can go or who do I contact to get this information.

Answer

There are three ways of checking: 1) Look at the roadworthy certificate and operator permit on the bus window (but these could be false and that means refusing to board on the time and day of departure); 2) In the contract with the operator, request confirmation that all vehicles are roadworthy (and request copies of relevant documentation) and stipulate in the contract that you will take legal action should this prove to be not so; 3) Contact your local traffic authority and request that they assist you in the matter. Probably the BEST option. Let us know how this goes for future reference.