By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Hlalele family lost four children in a 14-seater minibus that was involved in the crash with a bakkie and it is believed to have been carrying about 20 pupils, transporting them from Kokosi-Wedela to Rocklands Primary School and Blyvooruitzicht Laerskool in Carletonville.
The death toll has been revised to 11 children, down from the initial 12.
The four cousins – Reneilwe, seven, Thato, eight, Hlompo, 11, and Sihle, 12, – were all pupils at Rocklands Primary School and were set to start their third-term of schooling after the winter break when the accident occurred.
The family spokesperson, Aviva Manqa, told the media on Thursday that the family has found comfort in the government’s support.
“Firstly, we are very grateful for receiving support from the two MECs because it is when such bad things happen that one looks to see what those who govern us have to say about this misfortune.
“When we saw the Transport and Education MECs walk in, we knew that at least we had the support. We have received messages of support from the premier’s office, saying that they are also hurting like us.
Manqa said the family wants authorities to establish the cause of the fiery crash.
“Our major concern is really what happened. The children’s grandmother told the MEC about the state of the taxi that the children were in. The taxi carried the children, but it did not have good-quality seats. The children used buckets as seats.
“We, as the family, only want the investigations to be concluded quickly so that we can have closure.
Speaking outside the Hlalele family home, Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said her department is investigating whether the taxi was licensed to transport children.
“The team is busy with investigations, so we are able to give answers. For now, we do not have answers. We do not know whether the car was licensed accordingly and whether the owner had a permit to transport children.
“I need the service providers to start caring enough for our children, let’s not think profits only. This is our future as the country, and we cannot subject them to what they are subjected to on a daily basis.”
At the same time, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said they are working to conclude the DNA tests as soon as possible.
“Because of the emergency of the matter, we requested for the DNAs to be concluded quickly. Some families want to lay their children to rest by Saturday.”
As condolences and messages of support pour in for the affected families and school communities, calls to review scholar transport policy to ensure the safety of learners are growing louder.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said it is a difficult time for the families and the department.
“Firstly, I think it’s very important to convey my sincere condolences to the families. This is a tragedy of massive proportions. It was important for me to come to Rocklands Primary School because the staff is very devastated.
“The investigation is still ongoing about this matter, but scholar transport remains a big priority to us because we do not want to lose any learners.
“Even though I am new in my department, I want the staff of the school to know that they are not alone and that we are going to be with them throughout this difficult period.”