SECUNDA – The community united in prayer recently at Marietjie School to pray for the victims of Hoërskool Driehoek in Vanderbijlpark.
A bridge collapsed at the school on Friday, 1 February. Four learners died and several suffered serious injuries.
The Secunda community, organisations and business owners organised the prayer meeting attended by preachers from different churches, emergency services, the sector police members and local bikers.
Ms Mariane Uckermann, principal at Marietjie School, welcomed the community and Capt Johan Smit, chaplain at Secunda Police, opened the meeting with prayer and scripture reading.
Rev Lizette Grobler and past Randal Donnelly also prayed for the victims and their families, and singer, Morné Lesley, sang Amazing Grace while the people lit candles to show their support to the victims and their families.
They also had a minute of silence in remembrance of the learners of Hoërskool Driehoek who died.
The emergency services switched on their lights and sirens on and the bikers drove away in a convoy.
Donations were collected that will be paid into an account specifically for the victims and their families.
Ms Chantelle Prinsloo of Secunda Angels and Curamus Victim Support Centre, who is one one of the organisers of the event, thanked the community and the supporters:
Ms Lizelle Riekert of Oregon Spur, Ms Riana Pelser of Secunda Angels, Capt Smit, Rev Grobler, Past Donnelly, ER24, StratconRisk, the Adler Fahrers Motorcycle Club, Secunda Police, Community Policing Forums (CPF) Sectors 1,2,3 and 4 and Marietjie School for providing the venue.