KZN Government commits to assist families of six learners killed in bus crash

A multi-disciplinary team of government departments, agencies, and local government have joined hands to assist the families of six learners who died in a bus crash in Hluhluwe -Mfolozi Game Reserve earlier this week.

KZN GOVERNMENT PAYS THE FAMILIES A VISIT

Today, Thursday, 10 August 2023, a team representing various departments was led by KwaNongoma Municipal leadership in a meeting with families and school representatives.

The meeting is subsequent to the visit to the families led by the Mayor and Speaker of KwaNongoma, Cllr Mshangane Ndabandaba, and Speaker Cllr Babongile Sithole.

The government has committed to assisting the families throughout, with, amongst other things, logistical arrangements to identify the deceased learners, psycho-social services, groceries, burial arrangements, and joint memorial services.

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AMONG THE STAKEHOLDERS THAT VISITED SIX LEARNERS FAMILIES

Amongst the stakeholders involved is the Department of Transport, Department of Education, Department of Social Development, Nongoma Local Municipality, and other social partners.

“The assistance to the affected families is part of the government’s efforts to provide social relief methods and demonstration of a caring government, which is always rooted amongst the people at all material times.”

KZN Department of Transport

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WORDS OF SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL

Speaking in a meeting, Mayor Ndabandaba said it is important for all the spheres of government to work together during this time of tragedy:

“We wish to commend the good gesture demonstrated by all government departments in working with us in local government. This will go a long way and touch the hearts of grieving families. This is a huge tragedy, and we must all work together. This is no matter for politicking but rather for all of us as different leaders to show sympathy and maturity. Once again, we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences,” said Ndabandaba.

He further thanked the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka and the MEC for Education, Mbali Fraser, who have ensured that officials from their departments are with the families since the day of the accident.

ALSO READ: MEC Mbali Frazer sends words of comfort to N2 learners’ families

BUS CRASH DETAILS

The accident occurred on R618 when a driver lost control, and the bus overturned, leaving five learners from Mchitheki Secondary School dead on scene and one later died in hospital.

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Many of the other injured learners have since been released from the hospital, and some are still receiving medical care.