The MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, has learnt with sadness about the tragic passing of six learners, aged between 14 and 17, from Ndamase Senior Secondary School in Ngqeleni.
These learners passed away in an accident which occurred between a truck and the bakkie they were travelling in.
Eighteen other people were injured, including the two drivers.
The learners who passed away in this accident were Lutho Mbalekwa, Liviwe Gobo, Nomvume Ngxaki, Alizwa Bango, Ayabonga Ndlangwe and Pumeza Ndamase (all were in Grade 10).
Eastern Cape Education Departmental Spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, said the department had activated the psychosocial support services to assist the learners and educators including the bereaved families.
“Apart from that, a team from the district visited all the affected school and families including those who were hospitalised due to injuries.
“The injured were taken to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and Mthatha Regional Hospital for further medical management,” said Mtima.
Gade sends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, schooling community and learners.
“I wish the families could find solace in God during this trying time of their lives. Our prayers are with the bereaved families, and we wish all those still hospitalised a speedily recovery,” said Gade.
According to the spokesperson for the Department of Transport, Unathi Binqose, this incident occurred in the afternoon while learners were going home.
Binqose said that two vehicles – a rigid truck that had given a lift to learners loaded with building material – collided with a bakkie also carrying learners from the nearby Ndamase Senior Secondary School.
“The two veered off the road after colliding, and ploughed into a group of learners walking home on the side of the road. The injured were taken to Nelson Mandela Academic hospital and Mthatha General Hospital for further medical management.
“The cause of accident is still unknown at this stage, as the incident is still under investigation. A culpable homicide docket has been opened at Ngqeleni Police Station for further investigation,” said Binqose.
He confirmed that the bakkie was not a scholar transport vehicle. He said they do not contract bakkies for scholar transport.
“Any person who wants a contract for scholar transport should come with a quantum that has all the safety measures such as seat belts, etc., so we do not use bakkies at all to transport learners.”
