By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The capsized bus that was en route to the ANC’s 112 birthday celebration in Mpumalanga on Saturday, which claimed the lives of five ANC members from Limpopo
African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit the families of the party supporters who died in a bus crash at the weekend.
The ANC confirmed Ramaphosa’s visit in a statement on Monday evening.
Ramaphosa is also expected to visit the injured survivors at various hospitals.
The bus, carrying ANC members from the Molemole sub-region, was travelling to the party’s 112th anniversary celebration at Mbombela stadium in Mpumalanga on Saturday.
Their bus was involved in an accident on the R71 at the Makgoebaskloof outside Tzaneen.
Preliminary reports from the provincial Department of Transport and Community indicate that three buses followed each other when the third bus hit the second one from behind and overturned into a gorge.
Five people were confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention at various hospitals in the province.
The families of the deceased travelled to Pietersburg Hospital where they positively identified their relatives on Sunday.
Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, alongside a dedicated team of forensic pathology experts and police officials met with the members of the bereaved families to provide an emotional support during body identification process.
ANC provincial spokesperson Mathole Machaka said the party leadership have visited the families of the deceased to offer their support.
“We are yet to determine how many people were injured as we are still collecting reports from various health centres,” he said.
Machaka said the party leadership also visited survivors who are recovering well at various hospitals.
Premier Stan Mathabatha visited the accident scene and some of those who were injured at the hospitals.
“It is with great sadness that we received the news of this devastating accident, which claimed the lives of several individuals while others sustained injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time of grief and sorrow,” he said.
Mathabatha commended the swift response and efforts of the emergency services, law enforcement agencies, and medical personnel who arrived at the scene promptly to take care of those injured.