Watch: Drunk school bus driver in Eastern Cape lets pupil take the wheel

An Eastern Cape school bus driver has been suspended from his position indefinitely after he became the unwitting star of a viral video: The mullered motorist was filmed swigging from a bottle of liquor, instructing a school pupil on how to drive his vehicle. The shocking footage has left parents – and local authorities – horrified.

Drunk bus driver ‘lets pupil take the wheel’

The incident took place outside of Moshesh Agricultural Senior Secondary School, near Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. As pupils were beginning their journey home, it became clear that the scholar transport driver was in no fit state to responsibly operate a vehicle full of schoolchildren. His solution? Let one of the learners do the job for him.

In the clip, a Grade 10 pupil takes the wheel, as the drunken driver continues to guzzle his alcohol. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of these reckless actions, and the adult entrusted with these young lives has been reprimanded.

Watch: Eastern Cape school bus driver drinks while pupil takes control

Moshoeshoe Agriculture high school learner in Matatiele had to take the wheel of a bus ferrying learners because the driver was drunk. He continued to drink as she drivers. pic.twitter.com/zVW0hgmvJd

— K U L A N I (@kulanicool) October 21, 2020

Eastern Cape authorities react with fury

It’s not clear if the male bus driver will face any criminal charges, but Eastern Cape education department spokesman Monwabisi Mbangeni has confirmed that the operator has lost its government contract, and the panel is now looking for an immediate replacement in order to protect the best interests of the Matatiele learners.

“It is very clear the bus was being driven by the pupil. Obviously, she does not have a code 14 licence. We can’t proceed with a person who is playing with peoples’ lives. The Eastern Cape education department has now cancelled its contract with the operator, and alternative transport arrangements for the students are being made.”

Monwabisi Mbangeni, of the Eastern Cape education department