Transnet says it’s very sorry
Accident would remain a bitter taste in Transnet's mouth.
TONGA – A year after the tragic accident between a train and a truck that claimed the lives of 26 people in Hectorspruit, Transnet honoured its promise to be in constant support of all the families affected in this fatal accident.
This past Saturday, Transnet donated R500 000 and R147 000 in groceries to the affected families.
An additional R114 000 from a trust account set up by the Nkomazi Local Municipality, will be shared among the families of the deceased. Furthermore, the department of public enterprises will donate machinery to a FET college to assist in the skills development of students and also
500 mathematics dictionaries to 50 schools in the municipality.
However, the chairperson of the non-executive board of Transnet,
Mr Mafika Mkwanazi, said much still needed to be done to address the issue of open trucks transporting farm workers.
“Traffic law enforcement needs to act against truck drivers transporting workers in open trucks. It needs to stop turning a blind eye to the issue. We are still in discussion with the relevant government stakeholders as to how we can find a solution to this problem,” said Mkwanazi.
He added that this accident would remain a bitter taste in Transnet’s mouth.
“At Transnet this accident will always be a bitter taste in our mouths and an experience we never wish to repeat. Safety is important to us, which is why our drivers are trained to hoot when approaching railway crossings. With this contribution we are not admitting to a crime, but we are saying sorry and showing our support,” said Mkwanazi.
Meanwhile the truck driver,Mr George Mandlazi (32), is currently out on R3 000 bail and is due to make his next court appearance in the Nelspruit High Court, where his case will be heard from November 1 to 4.
