Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba has called on communities across the province to rally together in support of the children left orphaned after a devastating road accident in Ga-Sekgopo, which claimed the lives of 12 people.
The tragic crash occurred last week when a minibus taxi, transporting congregants returning from a church service, collided with two trucks on a busy road in the Mopani District. All the passengers in the taxi, including the driver, were killed on impact.
The horrific accident has shocked the nation, prompting an outpouring of grief and condolences from leaders, religious groups, and the public. But for the Limpopo Premier, the focus now shifts to those left behind—especially the children who lost one or both parents in the tragedy.
On Friday, a mass funeral was held in Ga-Sekgopo to honor the 12 victims. The service, attended by provincial government officials, local leaders, families, and community members, was a somber reminder of the deep loss felt by the entire village and surrounding areas.
Speaking at the funeral, Premier Ramathuba expressed her condolences and deep sorrow, but also emphasized the importance of community action in the aftermath of such a devastating event.
“Let us also remember the strength of community, the ideals of Ubuntu, which teach us that it takes a village to raise a child,” she said.
“Though these children are now deprived of their parents, let us step in as a community and make sure we nurture and educate them.”
Her heartfelt message resonated with many in attendance, with residents praising her for bringing attention to the longer-term impacts of the tragedy—especially on the surviving children.
Limpopo Premier Stresses Ubuntu and Collective Responsibility
The Limpopo Premier’s remarks highlighted the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which centers on compassion, humanity, and the belief that our lives are interconnected.
She called on churches, schools, traditional leaders, NGOs, and ordinary citizens to work together to build a support system for the bereaved families.
“This is not a loss for one family; it is a loss for all of us,” she said. “Let us not allow grief to isolate these children. Let us create a future where they feel the love and warmth of the village around them.”
The deadly accident has also reignited conversations about road safety in Limpopo, a province that has seen a significant number of fatalities due to vehicle collisions—particularly involving public transport vehicles such as taxis and buses.
Transport officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest that poor visibility, road conditions, and possible speeding may have contributed to the crash.
The Limpopo Premier Department of Transport and Community Safety is expected to release a full report in the coming weeks, along with recommendations to prevent similar tragedies.
In response, Premier Ramathuba urged taxi associations and long-distance drivers to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic laws.
“We must do everything in our power to ensure that such preventable losses do not continue to rob us of our people,” she said.
In line with the Premier’s call to action, local social development departments and community organizations have begun coordinating relief and support efforts for the families affected.
Initial assessments indicate that several children have been left without guardians, prompting urgent efforts to place them in the care of extended family or foster care. Discussions are also underway to provide psychological support, schooling assistance, and basic necessities.
The Limpopo Premier’s office has confirmed it will work closely with the relevant departments to ensure no child falls through the cracks.
“We are committed to walking this journey with the families, especially the children. Government alone cannot do it—we need everyone’s hands on deck,” said Premier Ramathuba.
Community and religious leaders attending the funeral echoed the Limpopo Premier’s sentiments, calling for greater vigilance, compassion, and unity.
Chief Makgoba, one of the traditional leaders in the region, stated:
“We stand united in grief, but we must also stand united in responsibility. These children are our children now. Let us raise them together.”
Pastor Maseko, who had led the church service prior to the accident, added that the congregation will launch a support fund to assist the affected families.
While the tragedy in Ga-Sekgopo has left a permanent scar on the community, it has also sparked a renewed sense of unity and purpose.
As Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba emphasized, the true test of a society is not just how it mourns its losses—but how it supports those who must go on living with them.
In the weeks and months ahead, the children left behind will need more than condolences—they will need care, compassion, and community. The challenge now lies in turning words of Ubuntu into tangible acts of kindness and lasting support.
Source- EWN
