Memorial service for Matatiele bus accident victims
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport together with the Alfred Nzo District Municipality and the Matatiele Local Municipality will hold a Mass Memorial Service for the five bus accident victims at the Maluti Civic Centre in Matatiele on 27 February 2014 at 10h00.
The accident happened on the R56 between Matatiele and Maluti on 14 February 2014 killing 5 and leaving 36 passengers seriously injured. The injured were admitted at the Matatiele Taylor Bequest Hospital and one was transferred to Mthatha Bedford Orthopaedic Hospital.
This accident also claimed the life of a 41 year old bread winner and her 4 year old child, the Mother also leaves behind a 10 year old child whom the Department of Social Development has committed to assist in all avenues.
South African Police Services are still investigating the cause of this tragic accident and the Municipality noted that there is a family that has already buried their loved one last Saturday.
An environmental assessment conducted confirmed that the 4 remaining families affected are unable to pay for funeral costs; therefore the Provincial Department of Transport has committed to assist those families with costs implications of the burial as per their different needs.
SASSA has already provided the relief material to all the families affected.
The service is expected to be attended by Eastern Cape MEC for Transport, Ms Thandiswa Marawu, and political leadership from the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, political leadership and Management of Matatiele Local Municipality, District Manager of Alfred Nzo Department of Transport, representatives from government departments and Matatiele stakeholders.
Members of the media are invited to attend.
For further enquiries: kindly contact Provincial Arrive Alive Spokesperson Mr Tshepo Machaea at 082 8220 404 or Director of Communications in the Provincial Department of Transport Mr Ncedo Kumbaca at 082 5626 023 or Head of Communications in Matatiele Local Municipality Mrs Nthabeleng Matshoba at 073 366 0003 / 039 737 3135.
