7 February 2024
The Young Communist League of South (YCLSA) extends heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the learners who tragically lost their lives in a road accident in the Free State. The YCLSA is equally encouraged to learn that the injured learners were stabilized in various Health institutions in the area. The very fact that learners in one incident were treated in different institutions is further justification for a universal health system ushered through the National Health Insurance.
The Young Communist League of South Africa (Ufasimba) is profoundly disturbed and notes with great shock after learning of this devastating road accident that took place along the R70 between Senekal and Ventersberg in the Free State Province.
The incident involved approximately 43 young women from an all-girls sports event they were attending held at in Moolmanshoek near Rosendaal to Riebeeckstad in Welkom. The fatal incident claimed lives of 6 girls who perished when the bus they were traveling in overturned after a wheel became loose and the driver lost command of the bus.
We express our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased. We further wish a speedy recovery to those who sustained the injuries. As a Youth organization we are deeply shattered by this occurrence, this is not how we have envisaged to start the 2024 academic year.
In this light, the YCLSA calls for road users to confirm roadworthiness of their vehicles through measures like regular pre-trip inspection of the vehicle they use especially to transport the public and learners. We call on the government to pay concerted efforts to the issues surrounding scholar transport and learners’ safety while in transit. Competent law enforcement agencies should probe circumstances leading to this horrific incident to the latter. This call we make well cognisant of the fact that road carnages contributes enormously to the South African mortality rate.
Issued by YCLSA
National Secretary- Mzwandile Thakhudi
For interviews and Enquiries
National Spokesperson- Ramatolo Tlotleng
Cell: (074) 478 4403
Media Liaison Officer – Dineo Mokoena
Cell: (073) 969-8532
