Grief and silence hung over the Vaal on Sunday as families, friends, and community members gathered at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex to bid farewell to children whose lives were cut far too short.
Tears streamed unchecked, hugs offered fleeting solace, and a community’s heartbreak hung heavy as it mourned the young lives stolen in the January 19 scholar transport tragedy.
Three of the 14 learners killed in the crash were honoured in a joint funeral service on Sunday, January 25. The 16-year-old Thato Moetji, 7-year-old Ofentse Jayden Vinger, and 14-year-old Bokamoso Mokhobo were remembered in a solemn ceremony marked by grief, prayer, and disbelief, as loved ones struggled to come to terms with the unimaginable loss.
Thato Moetji’s classmates spoke through tears about their last moments with the Grade 12 learner.
“Thato was literally happy just days before the crash,” said Sibongile Miya, her voice breaking. “I didn’t think that it would be our last day. We laughed, we shared TikTok videos… and now, she is gone. I can’t believe this happened.”
Ofentse Vinger’s family shared a heartfelt letter at the service, expressing the void left by their young boy. His mother said she missed his “laughter, stories, and stubbornness,” calling him a bright spark who made ordinary days extraordinary.
“I cannot believe how quickly my little boy was taken from me,” she said.
Bokamoso Mokhobo was remembered as a confident and outspoken Grade 8 learner. Friends described her as a trusted “sister” and a source of laughter and support.
“She brought joy and strength to everyone around her. Even though her life was cut short, her courage and kindness will live on in our hearts,” a friend told mourners.
Other funerals took place on Saturday for Phehello Motaung (18), Lesego Sefatsa (7), Sibongile Madonsela (16), Bohlale Lekekela (7), Buhle Radebe (17), Leano Moiloa (14), and Naledi Motsapi (16). Felani Mavundla, Lesego Sefatsa’s mother, described her young son as a vibrant spirit who loved school and church, while Phehello Motaung’s sister recalled him as joyous and a trumpet master at church.
Extended family members urged unity, forgiveness, and support during the painful time.
The tragedy occurred on the morning of January 19, when a vehicle transporting learners collided head-on with a tipper truck on Fred Droste Road in Vanderbijlpark. Eleven learners were pronounced dead at the scene, and three more succumbed to injuries in hospital, including the last two in the early hours of Thursday.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described the crash as one of the most hurtful events in the province’s recent past.
“We come here hurt, disappointed, disturbed, limping, and our emotions drained. Since the passing, our lives have never been the same… We can’t have a situation where a road to school must lead our children to graveyards,” he said.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, said children must never be treated as cargo.
“Anyone entrusted with the lives of children is carrying futures, not passengers. If your business survives by cutting corners, it is unfit to serve this country’s children,” she said.
She stressed that every statement, mechanical component, and moment leading up to the tragedy must be examined to ensure accountability.
Chikunga added that youth should not shield anyone from consequences, emphasising rehabilitation, education, and mentorship.
She also praised emergency services, NGOs, faith leaders, and community members for their swift response, stating, “Ubuntu was lived and embodied when tragedy struck.”
Additional burials are expected in the coming week as families continue the painful process of laying their children to rest.
The Star
masabata.mkwanazi@inl.co.za