The Discovery Safe Journeys to School programme was launched in 2013 in response to a tragic school transport accident that brought to light the urgent need for safer scholar transport. The programme works with scholar transport drivers to monitor, educate, and incentivise safe driving behaviours, ultimately ensuring that children get to and from school safely.
Since inception, the programme has over 750 drivers on board, currently transporting more than 24,000 scholars daily across the Western Cape and Gauteng. The programme has maintained an impeccable safety record, with no fatalities or major accidents among participating drivers since its inception, exemplifying the success of the programme and Discovery’s commitment to sustainable social impact.
“With an impeccable safety record, this programme is changing lives, and with more support, we can reach even more children who need it most,” says Andronica Mabuya, Head of Corporate Social Investment at Discovery.
Thousands of South African children embark on a journey to school every day — one that is often fraught with danger. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, in 2023 more than 10% of all road fatalities were children under the age of 14. With one of the highest road fatality rates in the world, ensuring safe transport for scholars is a national priority.
How it works
The Discovery Safe Journeys to School programme integrates telematics technology from Discovery Insure with comprehensive driver education. Scholar transport drivers receive training in defensive driving, first aid, and vehicle maintenance, and their vehicles are equipped with tracking devices that monitor driving behaviours such as accelerating, braking, cornering, and speeding.
Drivers receive continuous feedback and are rewarded for safe driving habits through quarterly and annual incentive programmes. Those who excel can win substantial cash prizes, further motivating them to prioritise safety.
Discovery Insure CEO, Rob Attwell is proud of how telematics technology enhances road safety. He says, “Our telematics data shows that drivers improve their driving behaviour by an average of 14% within the first 12 months on the programme. This proves that when drivers receive the right tools and incentives, they embrace safer habits, leading to significantly fewer accidents”.
How can you help?
From 22 January to 5 March 2025, members can donate their Ðiscovery Miles to the Discovery Safe Journeys to School programme through Vitality MoveToGive in the Discovery app or Discovery Bank app:
- For 200 Ðiscovery Miles, you can help provide defensive driving training for drivers who transport children to and from school.
- For 1,000 Ðiscovery Miles, you can help provide eye checks, spectacles and general health checks for drivers who transport children to and from school.
- For 2,500 Ðiscovery Miles, you can help provide first aid training for drivers who transport children to and from school.
How to donate to Vitality MoveToGive
- Activate Vitality Active Rewards in the latest version of the Discovery app.
- Achieve your exercise, drive or spend goals to earn a play on the gameboard.
- Pick a tile on the gameboard to reveal Ðiscovery Miles.
- Spend your Ðiscovery Miles on Vitality MoveToGive charity donations.
Vitality Move to Give provides a simple yet powerful way for Vitality members to contribute towards safer school transport. By donating their Ðiscovery Miles, members directly support the expansion of the DSJTS programme, allowing for the onboarding of more scholar transport drivers and the installation of additional safety technology in vehicles.
As Mabuya aptly puts it, “This is not just about transport; it’s about ensuring that every child in South Africa has a safe journey to school. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in young lives.” DM