Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you not only as Minister of Transport, but also as a father, uncle, affected citizen and member of the aviation family.
The shock of this terrible accident has shaken the whole world, and I come with condolences from all over the world at our tragic loss. This tragedy is the next biggest aviation disaster in South Africa, after the Helderberg in the last 25 years.
On behalf of President Jacob Zuma and the government and the people of South Africa, we want to convey our condolences to the families and relatives of the 13 passengers who died after two aircraft crashed near Tzaneen last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who lost loved ones in the crash, and with the emergency workers who responded to the disaster.
Furthermore I would like to thank the South African Aviation community and all those who were involved in the search and rescue efforts, and gave support to the families. God bless you all and may you never tire in your service to humanity.
A plane crash is a nightmare of your worst expectations coming true...we all fear crashing in a plane and it could happen to any one of us.
Thirteen (13) lives ended and uncounted others were changed forever on 14 August 2011, when thick fog moved in over the Mamotswiri Peak. Both Albatross planes which took off from Tzaneen Airport on Sunday at 10h30, bound for Rand Airport in Johannesburg, encountered bad weather and crashed on the Mamotswiri Peak, and sadly none of the passengers or crew survived.
Aviation photographer Frans Dely and many others connected to the aviation industry, perished in the accident.
On board the first plane, ZU MMI, were pilot Brian Gruar and passengers Marrion Anderson, Maddison Doak ( seven years old) and Alexandra Doak (nine years old), Tess Spence, Louise Warden and Kevin Woolacott.
On board the second plane, ZS NJX, were pilot Peter Geldenhuys, and passengers Stuart and Peter van Oldenburg, Frans Dely, Marietjie de Witt, and Linda Pierce.
Those aboard came from many backgrounds, beliefs, religions, and nationalities, and collectively possessed an amazing breadth of accomplishments, interests, talents, and potential. They left behind loving family members and friends who miss them profoundly and think of them often.
Tragic events such as these remind us of the fragility of life and the value of every single day.
I assure you that everything possible will be done in finding answers to this tragedy, and as the Department of Transport we shall ensure that the families are kept abreast of the investigations.
Investigations into the crash have commenced, with investigators collecting what is needed from the wreckage to technically test it.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), an agency of the Department of Transport, has committed to ensuring that the preliminary investigation report into this crash is completed within 30 days, as part of helping the families bring closure to this terrible ordeal.
Furthermore, the results of the accident investigation should be viewed as a tool to prevent a recurrence of something similar.
We shall ensure that your loved ones passing away will result in positive changes, as we learn and improve safety standards in their name.
Sport and recreational flying in South Africa is becoming more and more popular. Africa is known for the blueness of its skies. And here on the southern tip of Africa, in South Africa, those skies offer an ideal opportunity to learn how to fly from world-class instructors in a wide range of awesome locations. However accidents within the aviation sector rob society of daring men and woman with either a passion for flying, or a passion for the machinery of flight, and it is against these tragedies that we as an aviation family must fight against, ensuring safety first at all times.
In conclusion, may I take this moment to express my sincere gratitude to all men and women who took part in the search and rescue exercise for their dedication and commitment to such a noble and worthy cause. These men and women are the true ambassadors of ubuntu, and we sincerely salute them.
As government, we will continue to ensure that aviation is safe in South Africa.
In closing I leave you with the words of Leonardo Da Vinci and I quote:"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."
