Grief and sorrow in Middelburg as families bid farewell to six learners

Education MEC Dlamini Pledges Support to families beyond burial of loved ones

MIDDELBURG – Grief and sorrow overwhelmed the community during the commemoration of six learners from Moerelig Combined School in Wonderfontein.

A large gathering of mourners assembled to pay tribute to the deceased at a packed Sekhululiwe community hall on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

Dimpho Masina (16), Nomfundo Sibanyoni (18), Sinenhlanhla Sibanyoni (17), Sibusiso Mokonene (16), Joseph Mabena (16), and Katlego Majutle (16) tragically lost their lives in a collision involving a school bus and a train at a level crossing in Sekhululiwe Village, located between Mafube and Arnot, on July 31, 2024. The scholar bus was transporting 30 pupils. Over 15 learners and the driver sustained various injuries, ranging from minor to serious, with two remaining hospitalised and in critical condition.

Selinah Mashegwane, speaking on behalf of all six affected families, conveyed the profound sorrow experienced by the bereaved, stating that the depth of their anguish and distress is beyond comprehension. “We are deeply grieved and unsettled by the tragic loss of our children, in whom we had great hopes of changing our circumstances through education because they were serious about their studies,” she said.

David Mahlangu, also representing the families, offered words of comfort to all grieving relatives. “To our dear friends and loved ones, we acknowledge that we cannot undo what has happened. Therefore, may we surrender it all to the Divine. Let us find solace in knowing that the divine plan differs greatly from human intentions,” he said.

Mahlangu also expressed gratitude to the provincial administration, Nkangala District, as well as Steve Tshwete and Emakhazeni municipalities, for their unwavering support.

The memorial service was attended by esteemed dignitaries such as MEC for Education Cathy Dlamini, MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Transport Thulasizwe Thomo, along with educators, learners, and residents of the local Mafube Village community.

MEC Dlamini assured that the provincial administration would continue offering assistance to the mourning families. “Our support will not end here. We are committed to providing them with help even beyond the funeral, until they reach a point of healing,” she said.