By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ten people have been killed in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus on the R39 between Standerton and Morgenzon in Mpumalanga.
All 10 deceased were occupants of the minibus taxi, including the driver.
Eight people died at the scene, one died while being transported to the hospital and another passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in Standerton.
Mpumalanga Community Safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi says investigations into the crash are ongoing.
“Eight of the deceased died while at the scene, while the ninth person succumbed to the injuries and died whilst being transported to a nearby hospital. One person sustained serious injuries, while two more occupants escaped with slight injuries.
“It is not clear what led to the collision. However, reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out at this stage. The investigation into the crash is already underway.”
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has sent condolences to the bereaved families and wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities are continuing inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the collision on the R39.
Meanwhile Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said her department is considering a new funding model that will reduce the burden of the embattled Road Accident Fund (RAF) on the national fiscus.
Tabling the department’s R102 billion budget and priorities for 2026/27 in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Creecy said the department is already reviewing the proposed Road Accident Bill to reduce contingent state liability by creating a no-fault system and a standardised injury compensation system.
“We are now researching options for a hybrid funding model that will include both private and public contributions, to lessen the burden on the fiscus going forward,” she said.
In her budget vote, Creecy said targeted investments in maintaining, rehabilitating, upgrading, and expanding the road network remained key to the movement of people and goods.
She announced that the South African National Roads Agency will be allocated R31 billion this year for capital expenditure on the non-toll network, the Gauteng Freeway Improvement project operations, the N2 Wild Coast route for ongoing construction on major bridges, and new road sections on national highways, as well as the development of the Moloto Road corridor.