Lusaka, Zambia: 13th February, 2026
A coalition of road safety advocates and organisations Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST), Safety for People on the Move, Road Safety Ambassadors, Passengers, Pedestrians and Cyclists Association, and Talk Road Safety Foundation has intensified engagement with the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) following the tragic death of Subila Mulenga, a learner from Cleveland School in Kalulushi, in an incident involving a school bus on Tuesday 20 January 2026.
The coalition has formally written to RTSA to demand a time-bound and transparent investigation, public reporting of findings, and immediate preventive actions to protect children who rely on school transport daily. RTSA has acknowledged receipt of the advocates’ letter and confirmed that investigations are underway, with preventive measures to follow.
“This is about preventing the next tragedy,” said Daniel Mwamba, Director/CEO of ZRST, speaking on behalf of the coalition. “We appreciate RTSA’s response, but the public needs clear timelines, clear accountability, and immediate checks on school buses. Our children deserve safe vehicles, safe operators, and serious enforcement.”
What the coalition is calling for
• Clear investigation timeline and public reporting: an interim update and a final report with corrective and enforcement actions, including a briefing to the family and school community.
• Accountability for vehicle fitness certification and inspections: confirmation of the bus’s fitness status, inspection history, and enforcement actions where non-compliance is established.
• A national standard for school buses: confirmation of existing policy/standards, or an immediate interim directive setting minimum requirements while a full standard is finalised.
• Immediate nationwide compliance checks for school buses: urgent inspections focused on structural integrity, emergency exits, passenger limits, and operator compliance, with summary results published.
• A multi-stakeholder technical process: an urgent technical meeting to agree a practical school bus standard and enforcement plan, with clear deadlines for implementation.
The coalition stresses that stronger school bus safety is achievable through practical measures: consistent inspections, enforceable standards, visible enforcement, and public accountability. These reforms must be urgent, because every day without action leaves children at risk.
Road safety is a shared national responsibility. The coalition calls on Government institutions, schools, bus operators, and communities to prioritise child safety and to report unsafe school transport practices. The coalition also urges the media and civil society to continue supporting evidence-based advocacy and accountability for road safety.
Next steps
The coalition will continue engaging RTSA and stakeholders and will provide public updates on progress toward: (i) transparent investigation outcomes, (ii) stronger national school bus safety standards and enforcement, and (iii) immediate preventive measures that protect children on their daily journeys.
ENDS
Issued jointly by:
Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST); Safety for People on the Move; Road Safety Ambassadors; Passengers, Pedestrians and Cyclists Association; Talk Road Safety Foundation.
Media enquiries
Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST)
No 10 Mulundu Street, Woodlands, Lusaka
Tel: +260 953 736461 | +260 961 475610
Email: in**@za***************.org | Website: www.zambianroadsafety.org
