TWO teachers have died following an accident along the N4 road towards Mbombela.
The teachers were from a Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy Training Session at Emalahleni' They were returning home when the accident happened.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education confirmed the accident that happened on Wednesday afternoon, 28 February.
MEC for education, Bonakele Majuba, said he was saddened by the accident and has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
"It's painful to fathom the news of the passing away of our young teachers who were on a patriotic journey to empower themselves with knowledge so that in turn they could impart it to our children," he said.
Majuba said this was a great loss, not just to the department but the province as a whole.
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"Teachers remain a valuable resource for the growth and development of our communities and if one of them departs from this world, it becomes a heavy blow to the department and the rest of our communities. In this case, two of them died and it's too much to bear for the department and the province.
"We thus lower the provincial flag as we mourn in our hearts. We convey our condolences and at the same time wishing those who are injured a speedy recovery," he said.
According to the Mpumalanga Department of Education spokesman Jasper Zwane, the two teachers were from Masitakhe and Tikhontele secondary schools in Ehlanzeni District.
He said the MEC Majuba will on Thursday, 29 February visit the schools and the bereaved families.
"The MEC will be accompanied by officials from the department, including those who will render psycho-social support to staff and pupils.
"The MEC will arrive at Nkululeko Circuit in Matsulu in Mbombela at 8am and will meet the principals and members of the school governing bodies of Masitakhe and Nkululeko secondary schools.
"Thereafter, meet with the bereaved families." he said.
