Crash victims receive helping hand

THE Field’s Hill horror crash not only claimed the lives of 24 people but it has also had a snowball effect on the loved ones they left behind.

The Field’s Hill helping Hands, an organisation which aims to help the families of those affected by the truck accident, gathered the families and hired a taxi for tehm to meet an attorney. Jonathan Mazoue of Berkowitz Cohen Wartski Attourneys in central Durban met with each family to gather all the necessary information to assist them with their Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims.

“Sadly two families are unable to lodge claims where a family member died in the accident as they didn’t have dependents such a child and weren’t breadwinners. I watched the tears roll down one of our families faces. She was supported by her sister who died in the accident. Not even six months later her youngest sister passed away from cancer,” said Karen Janisch, from the Fields Hill Helping Hands organisation.

Thembisa, a representative for the Nompula family, said the family was sad as they had lost someone close to them and was brimming with potential. “My mum had a breakdown because of her passing. I don’t think she will ever get over the loss of my youngest sister. She meant a lot to us. We all suffered that day and no one suffered more than the other but, to us, it’s like they are saying our loss is not important. As if they are saying my sister was a nobody because she had no kids. We are her family, we suffered and we are still suffering even this day.

“We made inquires as to whether our families who weren’t eligible to make a RAF claim, could they make a claim against the truck owner, Mr Gregory Govender. Sadly it appears that Govender is protected by the law,” said Janisch.

Zanele Shange, a victim of the crash, said her sick leave was exhausted due to the accident. “I have now been put on a type of leave where each time I am sick I must produce a medical certificate. Normally one needs medical certificate for three days and more. Imagine what this is doing to my medical aid as I have to go to a doctor even when I don’t have to,” said Shange.

“We have one family where a young boy attended a local college. His father was killed in the accident. He currently lives with his two aunts who are both unemployed. FHHH was horrified to hear he dropped out due to not having money for bus fare. We have undertaken to pay his busfare until the end of the year so he can complete his studies,” said Janisch.

The other families of the Field’s Hill tragedy felt they had found light at the end of the tunnel with regards to their RAF claims.

FHHH appealed to the public to take part in its toy drive for both the families cared for by the organisation as well as the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement.

“We would appreciate unwanted second hand toys which we will wash and repair to bless our children with at their Christmas Party,” said Janisch. Email Karen at thefieldshillaccidentfund@gmail.com if you would like to make a donation of toys.