MAKHADO, Limpopo – President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his deepest condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi following a devastating bus accident near Makhado (formerly Louis Trichardt) in Limpopo, which claimed the lives of 42 people.
The victims, predominantly Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, were en route to their home countries from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape when the bus careened off the N1, a mountainous stretch of road, and plunged down an embankment. Dozens more sustained injuries and were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
President Ramaphosa expressed his profound sorrow, highlighting the particularly poignant nature of the tragedy, given that it occurred during Transport Month, a period dedicated to promoting road safety awareness in South Africa.
"This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike. Our roads are economic networks that bring the people of our region together across our national borders," he said, emphasising the interconnectedness of the region and the shared loss experienced by all three nations.
He urged all road users to prioritise safety and exercise responsibility on the roads. "We must do everything we can as road users, as transport operators, drivers and passengers to ensure that we stay safe and that we share our roads responsibly and with care for one another," he added.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is scheduled to visit the crash site today to assess the situation and meet with emergency response teams. She, along with several provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs), has already visited hospitals where survivors are receiving treatment.
"Losing so many lives in one incident is painful beyond words. On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government, we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families," Ramathuba said, conveying the province's solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
Earlier reports confirmed by Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye revealed that a 10-month-old baby was among the deceased, underscoring the heartbreaking nature of the incident.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the crash may have been caused by driver fatigue or a mechanical fault, but authorities have stressed that investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the accident.
The provincial government is providing psychosocial support to the survivors and working closely with consular services from Zimbabwe and Malawi to provide assistance to the families of the victims. Traffic authorities and the South African Police Service (SAPS) are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Motorists are advised that the N1 freeway near Ingwe Lodge remains partially restricted, with alternative routes suggested from Makhado to Musina via the Witvlag turnoff and from Musina to Makhado via the Williespoort turnoff. Travellers are urged to exercise caution and allow for extra travel time due to the ongoing disruptions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance among all road users. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the bereaved families and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The loss of so many lives has cast a shadow over the region, and the thoughts and prayers of the nation are with the families and communities affected by this devastating event.
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