11 Apr 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and his South Africa counterpart, MrCyril Ramaphosa yesterday visited the Mamatlakala bridge  following the March 28 bus accident which claimed lives of 45 Batswana who were on a pilgrimage to Moria for the Easter Holidays. 

Prior to visiting the scene of the horrific accident, the two Presidents were briefed by South African officials in a meeting.

President Masisi  said after visiting the scene of the  accident and getting a briefing from South Africa officials who are on the ground investigating the incident, he would be in a position to give his nation a well-informed report on what was happening.

He thanked President Ramaphosa, the government and people of South Africa for their support during the moment of need. He said the incident was given adequate response by all concerned stakeholders in South Africa, and that the neighbouring country had shown compassion and excellent service. 

“The assistance speaks to the values of a true and free South Africa,” he said.

President Masisi also commended the church leadership for rendering their condolences and support as well as sending a high ranking official to attend a memorial service that was held in Gaborone.

Furthermore, he said the media was equally supportive as they handled the issue with integrity and ethical conduct.

President Ramaphosa said the accident was a painful ordeal that had left scars on the people of both nations. 

“Their lives were cut short, but we are pleased that a young girl has survived the horrific accident,” said Mr Ramaphosa.

He said it was important for President Masisi to visit the scene, pay his last respects to the departed as well as to get an update from South African officials who were investigating the cause of the accident as well as identifying the deceased. He noted that he immediately contacted President Masisi after the accident to send his condolences to the government, the St Engenas Church and the people of Botswana.

He said the fact that South African officials and ordinary citizens responded to the incident was a true testimony and spoke volumes about the relations, compassion, humanness and transparency between the two nations.  

He said the good relations between Botswana and South Africa was the oil that bound the two nations together, adding that collaborating on investigating the accident, identifying the deceased and assisting the grieved families would further tighten the relationship.

Responding to media questions, President Ramaphosa said the process of identifying the deceased was not yet complete, and that only six bodies had been identified. 

He urged the media to appreciate that the case was complicated and not easy to conclude.

Dr Masisi said the excellent relations between the two nations were the foundation of what was happening and that the neighbouring states were  ‘joined at the hip’. 

Meanwhile, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, MEC Limpopo Province said processes were ongoing to ensure that all accident victims were repatriated, adding that repatriating identified bodies would start today. ENDS