Parliament, Wednesday, 10 July 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, today expressed her deepest sadness at the horrific accident in Gauteng in which twelve learners from two primary schools were killed in an early-morning crash.
Ms Maimela, the newly elected committee chairperson, conveyed the committee’s condolences to the family, friends and school community of Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carltonville.
“This is such a tragedy. Twelve young lives ripped away in an instant. We mourn with the parents, families, school community and all those affected by this accident.”
According to reports, the driver was also killed in the crash in the Kokosi-Wedela area of Merafong. Seven pupils were rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention.
“The committee is saddened by the event. This comes days after schools have reopened for the third school term. It is truly sad for the province and for South Africa that we have been robbed of these young learners, who were the future of our country.”
Ms Maimela said: “We appeal to the authorities involved to provide psycho-social support to all involved, including the families of the learners and the driver, as well as the community. Furthermore, the committee is encouraging providers of scholar transport, contracted and private ones, to exercise patience and caution when transporting our precious cargo.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION, JOY MAIMELA
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Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
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Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
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