Two sibling teachers on their way to work were among 13 -people who were killed in a horrific road crash in Limpopo.
The horrific crash occurred on May 28 on the notorious R521 between Polokwane and Mogwadi, formerly Dendron, on Wednesday. Transport authorities have attributed the cause of the accident to poor visibility.
According to preliminary reports, the staff minibus that was ferrying teachers to the Senwabarwana area collided head-on with a heavy duty truck, killing both drivers and passengers.
The Mpyana family in Moletjie suffered a double blow in the tragedy, which claimed the lives of two siblings, Asnath, 48, and Priscilla, 46.
The deceased were mainly from Blood River and Mmotong wa Perekisi villages of Moletjie and Seshego township.
Asnath’s daughter, Chuene is crestfallen. “My mother was a single parent and now I have to assume the role of motherhood to my two younger brothers and my child. This is going to be a rough ride for me because I am not ready to replace my mother,” she said tearfully.
“The situation is exacerbated by the fact that my mother was the only breadwinner in the family while I am currently looking for a job. Since my mother was the eldest, it means I will also have to take care of my aunt’s two children since she was also a single mom.
“I am just pretending that I’m holding up but I am shattered inside. I have to be strong for the sake of my siblings. This is a critical moment in my life when my strength and character are tested,” said Chuene during a visit by government officials who came to comfort the
family on Friday.
Elder Marry Mpyana said everyone in the extended family was going through a stressful period but the support they got from the South African Council of Churches and Limpopo departments of education and transport was comforting.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said the crash had robbed the sector of dedicated teachers who were committed to the cause of learning and teaching.
“We are extremely heartbroken as the national department, the provincial department, the district and indeed the schools and learners affected. Our hearts go out to mainly the families of the deceased.
Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety Florence Radzilani said she had noted with dismay video footage of the crash circulated on social media platforms. “We are appalled by a distasteful video footage showing the debris of the accident with badly injured victims, which was recorded at the scene of the accident.
“A heartless person with nefarious intentions recorded the footage and released it in the public domain. The disturbing footage was released while family members of the victims are still reeling with shock,” she said.
“It is mind-boggling that a civilian who is not attached to the emergency services or the police could record such horrifying footage for expediency purposes. While it cannot be deemed as illegal, it is immoral and inhumane.”
The Mpyana sisters will be buried in Kgohloane village -today in Moletjie, while other victims will be laid to rest in various places next week.
