Grief-stricken mourners honour children during memorial service
The Sikhululiwe community hall was filled with sadness as loved ones, government officials, community members, and school learners gathered for a memorial service to honour the six young souls who tragically passed away last Wednesday.
Selina Mtsweni, the grandmother of one of the victims, delivered a heart-wrenching farewell to her granddaughter, Katlego Tshwarelo Majutla.
Katlego, along with Sibusiso Mokonene (16), Joseph Innocent Mabena (16), Nomfundo Alicia Sibanyoni (18), Sinenhlanhla Destiny Sibanyoni (17), and Dimpho Masina (16), sadly lost their lives when their school bus crashed into a moving Transnet train.
They were travelling from Morelig Combined School to Sikhululiwe Village (Mafube Village) when the crash happened.
@middelburgobserver The Sikhululiwe community hall was filled with sadness as loved ones, government officials, community members, and school learners gathered for a memorial service to honour the six young souls who tragically passed away last Wednesday.
Speaking during the emotional event, Ms Mtsweni said her heart was filled with pain.
Her two granddaughters were on the bus on the day of the accident, and one sadly died on the scene.
Her other granddaughter, Ntokozo, recently underwent surgery at the Witbank Hospital because both her legs were broken in the crash.
“We had high hopes for Katlego; she wanted to do a lot in life and loved school,” Ms Mtsweni said.
During the service, the Sibanyoni family, who lost two children, cried inconsolably and were given medical attention by paramedics.
Several school learners also cried during the emotional service.
Litha Mcwambeni, communication manager at Transnet, said the organisation has agreed that all parties involved in the accident will be subjected to investigations.
The MEC of Public Works, Roads, and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, said the department is investigating the matter and urged school bus drivers not to get behind the wheel when they are tired or under the influence.
He added that his department is supporting the police investigation.
The bereaved families thanked both the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Emakhazeni Local Municipality, the provincial government and the Department of Health for offering support.
• A mass funeral will be held on Saturday in Sikhululiwe Village.
• The investigations are still underway, and the police have registered six counts of culpable homicide. No arrests have been made yet.
@middelburgobserver Officials spoke to the media at the memorial service of the six children who died in the school bus and train disaster
