Day: July 10, 2024

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, has expressed sadness at the accident that claimed the lives of 11 learners from the Rocklands Primary School and one learner from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig.

Wednesday’s accident also claimed the life of the driver.

Early this morning, the department received a distressing report from officials indicating that a private scholar transport mini-bus was involved in a tragic accident in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong, claiming the lives of the 12 learners and their driver.

Additionally, seven other learners have been rushed to a medical facility for urgent medical attention.

It is alleged that the learner transport was hit from behind by a bakkie, causing it to overturn and subsequently caught fire.

This horrific accident is alleged to have occurred at around 6:45am and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the department has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support team to the schools to
provide immediate support and to work closely with the school and affected families.

‘Counselling services will be made available to all learners and staff members to help them cope with the emotional aftermath of this tragedy,’ the department said in a statement.

“I am profoundly saddened by this tragic event. The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and injured learners.

‘We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and both schools’ entire community during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish all injured learners a speedy recovery,’ Chiloane said.

MEC Chiloane has visited the scene of the accident and the schools.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Runaway veld fires, which have affected various municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, have claimed one life.

In a statement issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Department, Muntukabongwa Mphikeni Gazu (67), was burnt to death when a veld fire set his home alight on Sunday night, at Ezinyosini area, in Ward 1.

The department said King Cetshwayo District is one of the most affected by wildfires, with uMfolozi, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni and Nkandla being the hardest hit municipalities.

‘The King Cetshwayo District is one of the most affected by the wildfires, with uMfolozi, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni, and Nkandla being the hardest-hit municipalities. In the uMlalazi Municipality alone, 11 wards are affected, with one fatality and two injuries reported.

‘The veld fires have impacted 144 people in the district, leaving 53 people homeless. Additionally, 48 houses were partially damaged, and 27 were destroyed,’ the department said.

The department said it is working closely with t
he municipality to ensure adequate support and relief for the affected families, with social partners setting up soup kitchens.

CoGTA MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has sent condolences to the Gazu family.

Buthelezi commended the brave men and women of the province’s disaster response teams for their heroic efforts in battling the runaway fires that devastated parts of the King Cetshwayo, uThukela, and uMzinyathi Districts.

Buthelezi said assessments in these areas are underway to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the fires.

‘The Provincial Disaster Management Centre will continue to monitor the inclement weather conditions expected across the province this week. Residents are urged to check weather forecasts before making any long journeys,’ the MEC said.

Source: South African Government News Agency