Message of condolences by MEC Lebogang Maile at the memorial service of athletes hit by a car during preparations for the Soweto Marathon

Baha Mokoatsi,
Baha Lesenyeho,
Baha Tlale,
Baha Mills,
Baha Dumako,

Our friends and fellow athletes,

Moroese, Reneilwe, Given, Isaac, Nomvula, Khanyiswa, Vusi and Sihle had every right to be on that road on that fateful Saturday morning. They had every right to pursue their dream of being athletes and leading healthy lifestyles. As fate would have it, tragically Moroese, Reneilwe, Given, Isaac and Nomvula are no more.

A great tragedy has befallen us and today we would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends during this difficult time of grief.
This passing of our friends, sisters and daughters, our son and brother, is a stern reminder of the things we should not be doing in pursuit of our social lives. The car that plunged into these young souls should not have been on the road in the first place. He who was behind the wheel should not have been there from the word GO!

It is ironic that this tragedy happens in October during transport month.
This is the time when all sorts of messages are transmitted about the need for road users to exercise caution and strive for the safety of others.
In this case it is clear that little regard was given to any of these messages. It is clear that there was no compassion and tolerance exercised in the commission of the carnage that has left us poorer.

There is nothing we can do to bring back life in the bodies of these beautiful souls. Our responsibility is to ensure that we celebrate their lives and pay tribute to their courageous deeds by encouraging more of our young people to be involved in sport and the pursuit of healthy lifestyles. We must ensure that their death is not in vain. Justice must be done, and justice must serve as a lesson to others who may be tempted to commit acts that may lead to similar tragedies.

When we take part at the Soweto Marathon on November 6; we must do this conscious of our duty and responsibility – that is to ensure that all of us play a role in promoting the safe use of our roads, and the pursuit of healthy living and the splendour of sportsmanship.

We will pause to reflect on their achievements, and what they had hoped for. In our moment of reflection we will also take the time to reflect on what must be done by all of us to ensure that we work tirelessly to improve the conditions of our sportsmen and women.

In the maxim of the holy bible: they have run their race.
In our hearts they will forever remain victors. Once more please accept our condolences.

May their souls rest in peace!