Several funerals took place on Saturday for learners killed in a tragic school transport accident in Vanderbijlpark. The crash on Monday involved a taxi colliding with a truck, claiming 14 young lives. Communities gathered in grief to remember the victims.
On Saturday, funerals were held across the Vaal region for some of the 14 learners who perished in a devastating collision in Vanderbijlpark. The accident occurred on Monday when a scholar transport taxi struck a heavy-duty truck on the Golden Highway.
A joint service took place at the home of 18-year-old Phehello Motaung and his seven-year-old nephew Lesego Sefatsa in Sebokeng Zone 14. Family, friends, and community members assembled, many overcome with emotion as the hearse arrived. Lesego's mother, Felani Mavundla, who is also Motaung's sister, recalled their vibrant personalities: “Phehello was very bubbly, every Friday he made sure to attend band rehearsals at church. Then my Lesego was also very bubbly.”
Phehello attended El-Shaddai Christian School, where principal Rebotile Masha described him as a beloved figure: “Phehello was this child who was loved by everyone because of his respect. He was a soccer player and our school team has lost. Phehello had the ability to revive assembly because he was playing a trumpet. Our assembly is not going to be the same. As El-Shaddai family we don’t have words to console the family because we know and understand how deep the pain is.” The school lost four pupils in the crash.
Lesego was a student at Oakwood Primary School. Principal Wilmarie Botha remembered him fondly: “Lesego was a precious gift. A young life filled with promise. Though his time with us at Oakwood family was short, his life mattered and his memory will live on in our hearts. At school he was part of our family. As we remember Lesego today, may we find strength, peace in God’s promises and comfort in knowing that Lesego now rests in the arms of our heavenly father.”
At the cemetery, families released white doves in farewell. Separate funerals occurred for five other victims: Sibongile Madonsela, Bohlale Lekekela, Buhle Radebe, Leano Moiloa, and Naledi Motsapi. Additional services are scheduled for Sunday.
The taxi driver, Ayanda Dludla, appeared in court this week on charges including 14 counts of murder.
