From Three Learners to Thirty: A Hanover Park Mother's Scholar Transport Business
Eight years ago, Diane Constable from Hanover Park started driving her neighbour's three children to school. Today her scholar transport company carries more than 30 learners across the Cape Flats every day, and parents trust her to get their children there safely.
A business built on her children's names
Diane named her company DCS Shuttle and Projects after her children, and she sees it as the legacy she will leave them. Her learners range from preschool to Grade 11, and she brings a mother's care to every trip.
The road was not smooth. Diane faced many early challenges, and securing her operating permit took real persistence. She kept going, and the business kept growing.
Joining Discovery Safe Journeys to School
Diane has since joined Discovery Safe Journeys to School, a partnership between Afrika Tikkun and the Discovery Fund. The programme starts from a simple belief: education begins before a child reaches the classroom, and an unsafe journey puts learning at risk.
Participating drivers have their driving monitored with telematics, tracking speeding, braking, acceleration and cornering. They also receive:
- First-aid training
- Health screening
- Eye tests, with corrective lenses where needed
- Defensive-driving training
The programme also promotes roadworthy vehicles and proper driver licensing.
A decade of safer journeys
The results are measurable. The Western Cape programme has recorded 10 years of zero road fatalities. In 2025 alone, 74 awards were presented to scholar drivers across Gauteng and the Western Cape.
For small operators like Diane, the programme does two jobs. It protects children, and it gives parents a clear reason to trust a local business.
Success that multiplies
Diane did not keep her success to herself. She helped her neighbour start a transport operation of her own, creating another income in the community. Next, she plans to diversify into university shuttles and delivery services.
Help make every journey safer
- Donate: support driver training, health screening and safety technology. South African donors receive a Section 18A tax certificate. Donate today
- Partner with us: companies can help expand safe scholar transport to more communities. Get in touch
Frequently asked questions
- What is Discovery Safe Journeys to School?
- A partnership between Afrika Tikkun and the Discovery Fund that improves scholar transport safety through telematics and practical support for drivers.
- What support do scholar transport drivers get?
- First-aid training, health screening, eye tests with corrective lenses where needed, and defensive-driving training.
- Has the programme made a difference?
- Yes. The Western Cape programme has recorded 10 years of zero road fatalities.