Physical reminders and places of commemoration for victims of the Westdene bus tragedy.
Westpark Cemetery and a memorial stone at the dam are permanent markers to ensure those lost are never forgotten.
The Westdene bus tragedy is memorialised in two places in the city. At the dam, there is an unassuming yet poignant memorial stone that lists the names of those lost to ensure the terrible day is never forgotten.
So too is the site of 35 graves in the ‘Heroes Acre’ section at the Westpark Cemetery following a mass funeral that was held there on April 1, 1985.
The remaining children were buried separately or cremated in accordance with their parents’ wishes.
The Northcliff Melville Times visited Westpark Cemetery and is pleased to report that the site is in good condition with flourishing flower beds and clean from vandalism or litter.
Stella Krauss who now lives overseas and knew 19 of the children who perished said, “I think the most poignant moments was in the days after the tragedy. Driving along the dam you could see so many wreaths floating in the water where so many friends died. We will never forget and till the day I die, I will carry these kids in my heart.”
One of the saddest but most inspiring tales from the day is that about Pieter Koen. A softly spoken and friendly young man by all accounts who perished after drowning from exhaustion after rescuing his cousin and five school pupils.
Below is a poem written by Jenny Santiago (nee Mower) about the events that unfolded.
The Westdene Bus Disaster 1985
By Jenny Santiago (nee Mower)
(Copied from www.westdene1985.co.za.)
It was the morning of the 27th of March 1985.
Me a 14-year-old girl, with hopes, dreams feeling so alive.
The day was as any school day would be to me and you.
Home time quarter to two
Busses waiting outside the main gate
Hustle and bustle not to be late
The bus ride home meant having a giggle and a teenage chat….
Little did we know that day will determine our fate.
Without any warning or request,
My life changed forever more because of what I saw next!
The yellow bus in front of me lost control and drove into the Westdene Dam.
Until this day I hear that slam.
Pandemonium, confusion, panic and unbelief
The beginning of the darkest grief
I stood next to the dam in a dreamlike state.
Nightmare!!!! I needed to wake!!
Just standing there looking upon,
The darkest of water, knowing my friends are gone.
I remember holding, holding and holding my breath.
But reality sunk in at the sight of death.
Still standing there as if cast in stone
Never in my 14 years did I feel so alone.
My entire being aced, I needed to go!
But my mind and body said NO!
There I stood for hours on end,
Hoping and praying, please! please! let me see just one friend!
This was not to be that fateful day.
Because 42 children passed away
The next morning wherever I looked, I had the sight of an empty desk.
I felt a grief so deep within my chest.
Why does this happen to a 14-year-old girl?
My entire being was trapped in a whirl.
42 White coffins the mass funeral would be.
Was this supposed to set me free?
The answer to that is NO!
As white then became a foe.
29 Years later I ask myself, how do you feel?
Will you ever completely heal?
The answer to that I do not know.
As the healing process is painfully slow
My dearest angel friends allow me to walk away.
Never will I forget that forever-changing day.
Please set me free,
This to you is my plea.
Forever I will remember you.
But no longer in a state of rue
You have made me and us who we are.
Forever you will be my guidance star.
My friends this is the hardest thing for me to do.
To myself, I have to be true.
Today I have to let you go.
I no longer want to be in a state of kayo.
42 Angels up above,
You have taught me the reason of love.
Rest quietly now,
As to you my head I bow.
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