On Wednesday, a tragic accident occurred involving a school transport vehicle and another vehicle. The primary school pupils and their driver were all killed when the school transport vehicle caught fire after the collision. Eight others and the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident survived.On Wednesday, a tragic accident occurred involving a school transport vehicle and another vehicle. The primary school pupils and their driver were all killed when the school transport vehicle caught fire after the collision. Eight others and the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident survived. The Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube visited several of the victims’ relatives last week and promised to support them. The names of the deceased pupils were: Junior Mankofu, Khothatso Sesing, Olesego Khesa, Thandeka Mtylibe, Tshiamo Makinta, Katlego Morebudi and Reneilwe, Sihle, Hlompho and Thato Hlalele. The eleventh student was Reabetswe Rabodiba. At a memorial service, the uncle of one of the deceased pupils, Sammy Setlhare, described his nephew’s cheerful demeanor and playful nature, prompting cries of grief from the grieving parents and family members. Setlhare urged those present to continue supporting the affected families beyond events such as the memorial service, as they would need it in the difficult times ahead. Matthews Mogashane of Gauteng Education Transport Services expressed their appreciation for the important role they play in transporting pupils to school. He shared that the children often share their dreams and ambitions with the drivers. He also noted the recent increase in tragic accidents involving school transport vehicles, calling for more attention to be paid to safety measures. The driver of the school transport vehicle is believed to have been a careful and reliable person. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident remains in police custody and is expected to return to court on Thursday.
The primary school pupils and their driver were killed last Wednesday when the vehicle caught fire after colliding with another vehicle.
Eight others survived the tragedy, as did the driver of the van that was also involved in the accident.
Last week, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube visited a number of relatives and promised to support them.
Junior Mankofu, Khothatso Sesing, Olesego Khesa, Thandeka Mtylibe, Tshiamo Makinta, Katlego Morebudi and Reneilwe, Sihle, Hlompho and Thato Hlalele were pupils of Rockland Primary School.
The eleventh student was Reabetswe Rabodiba from Blyvooruitsig Laerskool in Merafong Municipality.
When Mankofu’s uncle Sammy Setlhare took the stage on Tuesday, his description of the boy’s dimpled face and mischievous gaze prompted painful cries from grieving parents still struggling with the loss.
Setlhare called on those who are now supporting the affected families to do so outside of events such as the memorial service.
“I would like to ask all the pastors who are here today, all the professionals, not only to attend memorial services. Let us also pay attention to the families, because we support them and are there for them, but when they leave and go home, it is a completely different story. Let us support (them) even at home.”
Matthews Mogashane of Gauteng Education Transport Services told the relatives that their motto – “We transport our future; with their future in mind” – reflects their appreciation for the importance of their work in getting students to school.
He said the children often share their dreams and ambitions with the drivers.
According to Mogashane, too many lives have been lost in these types of accidents recently.
“Two months ago we had a freak accident where four of our students died on the spot in Sedibeng area, Meyerton. (Last) week we lost another 11 students.”
Some blame the school transport driver, but his family tells NewzRoom Africa that they know him as a careful and reliable driver, as he earns his living by transporting clients.
The driver of the van, who is believed to have hit the back of the school transport vehicle, is reportedly in hospital and is being guarded by police.
The case against him is expected to return to court on Thursday after it was postponed in his absence.
READ ALSO:
