05 May 2024

The cordial relations between Botswana and South Africa have been hailed as  a beacon of unity that prove that the two nations are actually one people.

Speaking during the funeral service for the 45 bus accident victims at Molepolole Sports Complex on Saturday, Member of Executive Council (MEC) for Health in Limpopo Province, South Africa, Dr Phophi Ramathuba said the relationship her country had with Botswana had made it possible for the South African government to act swiftly and attend to the accident.

She relayed  President Cyril Ramaphosa’s condolences, stating that the people of South Africa had also been affected by the loss of lives in the tragic accident.

Quoting the Setswana adage  ‘matlo go sha mapabi,’ Dr Ramathuba said as neighbours, the two countries had to comfort one another during such hard times as the tragedy that befell Botswana.

She said upon learning about the incident, the families, relatives and the country at large were left devastated, adding that the vivid memories of the accident left a deep scar in their hearts.

She noted that on April 12, Presidents, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and Mr Cyril Ramaphosa visited the site of the accident to appreciate the veracity of the tragedy.

The visit further strengthened the collaborative efforts that made identification of accident victims possible, she said, expressing gratitude for the guidance and support by both presidents.

Dr Ramathuba said the sole survivor of the accident being an eight-year-old girl, was taken care of.

She further thanked the governments of Botswana and South Africa for working tirelessly together to speed up the completion of all the processes from DNA identification until the mortal remains were brought back home.

She said South Africa would forever be indebted to the generosity of Botswana during the time of struggle.

For her part, the Botswana’s  High Commissioner to South Africa, Dr Sanji Monageng said when they received the call reporting the accident, officers were immediately dispatched to the scene to get first-hand information.

She thanked the South African Police for their prompt response.

She said President Ramaphosa was supportive, leading to the process being carried out with utmost diligence.

Dr Monageng commended all teams for the speed at which they operated.

She likened South Africa to a true friend who stands with you during the good and the bad times, showering South African team with accolades for a sterling job.

She said when she first heard of the tragic accident, her heart sank and she could not even find the strength to visit the accident scene on the day, but was glad that after a month of waiting, the families could now bury their loved ones and begin the healing process.

Dr Monageng urged the families to remain strong and trust in God as he was the only one who could give them strength.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Kgari III of Bakwena expressed gladness that after waiting for more than a month, the families would now be able to bury their loved ones.

He appreciated the reasons for the delay, in view of the nature of the accident and the processes involved.

Kgosi Kgari III thanked the South African government for its assistance, adding that all the plans were made possible by the good relations Botswana had with South Africa.

He said he was happy that ‘today we are closing the chapter, and the families will begin to find closure’.

He prayed for the families and relatives to be comforted and strengthened by the Lord and for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace.

The forty-four members of the St Engenas ZCC and bus driver who died at Mmamatlakala Bridge on their way to Moria, South Africa for the Easter church services, were buried at Garanta ward in Molepolole and  Thamaga on Saturday. Ends