05 May 2024

March 28, 2024 will forever be entrenched in the memories of Batswana, together with the painful memories of the tragedy that befell the nation that fateful day.

It was on this date that 44 members of St Engenas Zion Christian Church and their driver perished when the bus they were riding fell some 50 metres from Mmamatlakala Bridge in the Limpopo province of South Africa while embarking on an Easter pilgrimage to Moria, the church headquarters.

Following that tragedy, the worst in the history of Botswana, different churches, bereaved families and indeed Batswana and government joined hands in an effort to repatriate the bodies from South Africa to Botswana. The nation remained united through to the final day, the funeral and burial of the bus accident victims.

While 44 St Engenas Zion Christian Church members were buried at Garanta cemetery in Molepolole, the bus driver was laid to rest in Thamaga.

Acting President Slumber Tsogwane as such urged the nation to remain united in order to face future challenges together.

Speaking during the funeral service for the 45 members held in Molepolole on Saturday, Mr Tsogwane said other than unity between Batswana, the country should also strengthen its relationship with South Africa. He paid tribute to President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa for having assisted Botswana during the most difficult time.

“Fifing go tshwaranwa ka dikobo,” he said, generally meaning a friend in need was a friend indeed.

He said President Ramaphosa constantly updated President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and the two eventually visited the accident scene.

Mr Tsogwane thanked the bereaved families for their patience, as due to the state of the accident, it took long for the bodies to be repatriated for burial.

The Acting President further said the police, health officials and scientists, who conducted DNA tests to identify the deceased persons, were nothing short of diligent.

Mr Tsogwane further thanked the South African authorities, especially Limpopo MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba for providing psycho-social support to the lone survivor, an eight-year-old girl.

He called upon the bereaved families to take solace in the Word of God, saying since the matter had been brought to finality, it was now time for them to start the healing process.

For his part, Molepolole South MP, who is also Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng echoed the sentiments, saying government and different churches joined St Engenas in comforting bereaved families and assisting with repatriations and funeral preparations.

He said the incident was the most challenging, but thanked President Masisi’s the leadership for providing full support during the time of need.

For his part, MP Oabile Regoeng of Molepolole North said the day he received the news about the accident was perhaps the saddest, saying it brought uncertainty and anxiety, especially as the passengers had swapped vehicles between the bus and passenger cars after crossing the border.

He expressed relief now that the matter had been brought to close and urged the members to remain strong in their faith.

The poet, Moroka Moreri wrote; ‘Ba laetse, le re lela, bone tota ba laetse, ka setho ga re a ba utlwa sentle. Ba rile re ya lefatsheng le le, ra itlhoma ba raya lele, mme tota ba raya lele’ meaning they bid farewell; it is only that we misunderstood. ENDS