Family members of the learners who died in a horrible car accident that occurred at AZ Berman Drive in Mitchell’s Plain on Tuesday 30 May on their way to school were showered with gifts donated by the City officials.
The event which was organised by Mitchell’s Plain Sub-Council 12 and 17 was held at Khayelitsha Training Centre in Khayelitsha on Thursday 8 May.
At least five school children died on the scene and two were seriously injured and were rushed to hospital for medical treatment. However, one of the injured learners was discharged later.
Both Sub Councils 12 and 17 donated vouchers with undisclosed amounts while the mayor’s office contributed boutique flowers to the deceased families.
Among the dignitaries that attended the event was MEC for Police Oversight and Safety and Security Reagen Allen, some Khayelitsha ward councillors and Khayelitsha Development Forum(KDF).
Mitchells Plain Sub Council 17 chair and Ward 43 councillor Elton Jansen described the purpose of the gathering as to show compassion and unity. He said it’s been too long since the two communities (Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain) have been separated.
“On behalf of Mitchell’s Plain community, we expressed our condolences to the families during the time of bereavement. We may not understand the pain the deceased families feel because our children are still alive but we are with the affected families. And this is not the time to play party politics, that is why we are together today to show our support to the families,” said Jansen.
He stated that as Sub Councils in Mitchell’s Plain felt that they can’t fold their arms and decided to go out to ask for donations to assist the deceased families in preparation for the funerals.
“We made a call to some people because we know during this difficult time the last thing you think about is how are you going to cover the funeral expenses. We know that we can’t bring back your children but we are trying to show respect and solidarity with you,” said Jansen.
Allen urged for unity between the two communities. He said he hopes that the death of the learners will not be in vain.
Allen described the Khayelitsha community as a strong community that rises up under any circumstances.
“It is not easy for all of us. But I know the Khayelitsha community will rise up despite any circumstances. Recently, I was in Khayelitsha during the mass killing. I could see that the community of Khayelitsha was feeling the pain but they were strong and united,” said Allen. He thanked the support that was demonstrated by both community leaders during this difficult time.
KDF secretary Khayalethu Nethi thanked Mitchell’s Plain Sub Councils and the mayor’s office for working together with Khayelitsha’s stakeholders during this difficult time.
He said KDF and other community stakeholders are still planning on how they are going to assist the deceased families.
“We didn’t want to organise a memorial service for the sake of organising it. We don’t want to rush. We will wait for the dust to settle and plan thoroughly. We will gather as stakeholders and decide what we can do for the deceased families,” vowed Nethi, adding that some of the families have already buried their children. Nethi stated that KDF supports any kind of help that can assist families.
Speaking on behalf of the deceased families, Mildrad Mdukiswa from Mandela Park said they are relieved by the massive support that they received from both communities. She said they didn’t expect anything from anyone.
“On my side, I’m a bit relieved even though I know that my child will never come back. But with the huge support that we are getting from the communities on a daily basis, we become strong. We thanked everyone including our church and community members who were with us when we were under the dark cloud,” said Mdukiswa, adding that her son Kathlego Banga was buried Wednesday 7 May in Mandela Park.
The 55-year-old driver of the learner’s transport that was involved in an accident was charged with culpable homicide and he will appear in Mitchells Plain Magistrate Court on Thursday 15 June.
Names of the learners who died in the accident were Kathlego Banga (8), Linathi Madalane (10), Rehema Eiman (7) (all from Mandela Park), Lwethu McKerry(11) (from Harare) and Lelam Betiwe (5) (from Makhaza).
