Several funerals were held today for the 14 learners who lost their lives in a tragic crash in Vanderbijlpark on Monday. The victims, aged between 7 and 18, were passengers in a scholar transport minibus that collided with a truck on the R553 Golden Highway.
A joint funeral service was held for some of the victims, including 18-year-old Phehello Motaung and 7-year-old Lesego Sefatsa, at Sebokeng Zone 14. The memorial service was marked by raw emotion, with family members breaking down in tears as they bid farewell to their loved ones.
The driver, 22-year-old Ayanda Dludla, has been charged with 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and other related charges. He appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court and has abandoned his bail application, with the case postponed to March 5 for further investigation.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and other officials attended the memorial service, extending condolences to the families and communities affected by the tragedy.
Family members, learners, and the community gathered to bid farewell to Lesego Sefatsa and his uncle Phehello Motaung.
Some mourners broke down in tears while others held onto one another for support. Lesego’s mother who’s also Motaung’s sister, Felani Mavundla, described the two as bubbly children who loved school and church.
“Phehello was very bubbly, every Friday he made sure to attend band rehearsals at church. Then my Lesego was also very bubly.”
Motaung’s principal from El-Shaddai Christian school Rebotile Masha says the loss has devastated the school since four of the victims had attended there.
“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 Principal of Oakwood Primary school Wilmarie Botha where Lesego attended, says the little boy had a promising future and his absence at school will be deeply felt.
“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 as a final send-off for their loved ones.
Meanwhile, funerals of five other learners Sibongile Madonsela, Bohlale Lekekela, Buhle Radebe, Leano Moiloa and Naledi Motsapi were also held on Saturday.
More learners will be laid to rest on Sunday.
