COUNCILLORS from King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality in Mthatha hosted a memorial service with the aim of showing support to nine families who lost their loved ones in the DMJ bus accident, which happened at the Kei Cuttings between East London and Mthatha in August 16.
They lit candles as a symbol of remembering the victims. These victims were among 31 people who died in this accident. The victims are Ayabulela Dunjana (18), Mihlali Mabena (18) and Ohlule Dunjana (3) (they are from one family); Nwabisa Mgxekwa (34), Sixolisiwe Mqeteba (28), Ntombodidi Gawuzela (39) and her son, Unabantu Gawuzela (3), Unathi Ngombane (32) and Zintle Nyonyoba (23).
One of the family members, Mongezi Dunjana (50), from Mhlakulo locality in Mthatha, confirmed that they lost three family members in this accident.
“We are still shocked about what happened. I can just say we are trying to swallow this pain because we cannot change what happened,” said Dunjana.
Giving a word of support, the chaplain of the Umtata Taxi Owners Association (UTAO), Mkuseli Matshonyane, said they had come to give support to the families because these incidents also happened in the taxi industry.
He said drivers and the transport owners should respect the passengers all the time.
“We appeal to the transport industry to be careful so that these incidents may stop. As the members of Uncedo Taxi Association and Umtata Taxi Owners Association, we want you to know that we are with you in our prayers,” said Matshonyane.
The member of the mayoral committee for rural and economic development, Councillor Nontyatyambo Gcingca, said they had decided to host this memorial service with the aim of showing support to the bereaved families.
She said that they wanted to show them that they care about them.
“We are a caring government; that is why we decided to show you that we also feel the pain that you are feeling,” said Gcingca.
