DNC bus disaster: President Ramaphosa mourns tragic loss of 42 Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals
The Zimbabwean and Malawian passengers were travelling from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape to their home countries when the bus veered off a mountainous section of the N1 and plunged down an embankment.
Image: Screengrab/SABC
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi after a horrific bus crash near Makhado (formerly Louis Trichardt), Limpopo, claimed 42 lives.
The passengers, mostly Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, were travelling from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape to their home countries when the bus veered off a mountainous section of the N1 and plunged down an embankment.
Dozens more were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
President Ramaphosa said the tragedy was compounded by the fact that it occurred during Transport Month, a time when South Africa highlights the importance of road safety.
“This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike. Our roads are economic networks that bring the people of our region together across our national borders.
"We must do everything we can as road users, as transport operators, drivers and passengers to ensure that we stay safe and that we share our roads responsibly and with care for one another,” he said.
The Zimbabwean and Malawian passengers were travelling from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape to their home countries when the bus veered off a mountainous section of the N1 and plunged down an embankment.
Image: Supplied
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is scheduled to visit the crash site on Monday to meet with emergency teams and assess response efforts. She and several provincial MECs also visited hospitals where survivors are being treated.
“Losing so many lives in one incident is painful beyond words. On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government, we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families,” Ramathuba said.
Earlier, IOL reported that Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye confirmed that a 10-month-old baby was among the deceased. Preliminary reports suggest that the crash may have been caused by driver fatigue or a mechanical fault, though investigations are ongoing.
The provincial government is providing psychosocial support to survivors and working with consular services from Zimbabwe and Malawi to assist families affected by the tragedy. Traffic authorities and the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue to investigate the exact cause of the crash.
Motorists are advised that the N1 freeway near Ingwe Lodge remains partially restricted, with alternative routes suggested from Makhado to Musina via the Witvlag turnoff and from Musina to Makhado via the Williespoort turnoff.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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