President Ramaphosa mourns victims of deadly bus crashes, calls for road safety

President Ramaphosa mourns victims of deadly bus crashes, calls for road safety! President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the families of 16 people who tragically lost their lives in a bus crash on the R21 highway near OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday morning. The President expressed his deep sadness over the incident, offering sympathies to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the survivors.

Additionally, Ramaphosa acknowledged another devastating bus accident in KwaZulu-Natal that occurred over the past weekend, which claimed the lives of at least nine passengers and left 39 others injured.

“While the causes of these recent incidents are still under investigation, we are reminded that tragedies such as these leave more than physical scars, as they cause trauma that affects family relationships and the lives of survivors,” Ramaphosa stated.

Deadly bus crashes

He emphasized that these accidents not only impact families but also place immense pressure on healthcare and emergency services. Furthermore, the consequences extend to economic losses, increasing insurance costs, and negatively affecting businesses that lose personnel in such tragic events.

Road Safety Concerns and Call for Responsibility

President Ramaphosa stressed the need for self-reflection regarding road safety in South Africa. He urged all motorists, pedestrians, and passengers to assess their conduct and responsibility while on the road.

“When we ask how safe our roads are, we actually need to ask how safe we are as drivers and pedestrians. The biggest factor in crashes is human error, not law enforcement or road conditions,” he explained.

He urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to strictly follow traffic laws to prevent further tragedies.

“Traffic laws exist to protect us all. Those who ignore them risk their lives and the lives of others. If they survive, they may find themselves facing legal consequences in our courts and correctional centres,” Ramaphosa warned.

MISA Expresses Concerns Over Rising Bus Crashes

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) also extended its condolences to the families of the 16 victims and voiced concerns over the increasing number of bus crashes leading to loss of life.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the 45 injured people who have been taken to various hospitals, while some are still trapped under the wreckage,” said MISA’s Chief Executive Officer for Operations, Martlé Keyter.

MISA highlighted several recent bus accidents, further emphasizing the growing crisis:

• In Ekurhuleni, a bus crash killed 16 people, while 45 others were injured.
• In the Free State, a bus accident claimed 10 lives, leaving over 20 people injured, with four bodies still unidentified.
• In KwaZulu-Natal, eight people lost their lives after a bus tyre burst on the N2 highway between Mandeni and Stanger over the past weekend.

MISA urged bus drivers to be particularly cautious, considering the large number of passengers they transport daily.

“Our roads should not claim lives like this. Drivers must always be extra cautious, and passengers must also be patient, especially in stormy weather conditions,” Keyter stated.

Statistics on Fatal Bus Crashes

A Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) study revealed that over five years, buses were involved in 323 fatal crashes, resulting in 487 deaths across South Africa.

• Gauteng recorded the highest number of fatal bus crashes, with 76 incidents leading to multiple deaths.
• Many of these accidents were linked to driver negligence, mechanical failures, and poor road conditions.

“Let us always proceed with caution and patience,” Keyter urged.

The Need for Urgent Action

The recent bus crashes have reignited conversations about road safety enforcement, vehicle maintenance, and the need for stricter regulations on public transport operators.

As South Africa mourns the lives lost, President Ramaphosa’s words serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsibility behind the wheel. Authorities and transport stakeholders are now under pressure to intensify efforts in making the country’s roads safer for all.