PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa and his Botswana counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, have visited the bus accident site that tragically claimed the lives of 45 Botswana citizens.
The two heads of state conducted an oversight inspection at the Mamatlakala Bridge along the R518 road outside Mokopane, Limpopo, on Thursday, 11 April.
This is where the driver lost control of the bus that plunged off the bridge and caught fire. An eight-year-old girl, who was the only survivor, has been discharged from hospital and reunited with her family in Botswana.
The bus was transporting passengers to an Easter Pilgrimage at the St Engenas Zion Christian Church in Limpopo.
Ramaphosa conveyed condolences on behalf of the South African government to the Republic of Botswana.
He said it was a sad moment to come to a scene where 45 people died.
“These were pilgrims who were going to church for prayer, and their lives were cut short. We are filled with a deep sense of sadness,” he said.
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Ramaphosa said after the accident, he immediately called President Masisi, conveying his condolences and ensuring him that relevant people were immediately at the scene.
“That speaks volumes about the relationship between the two countries, which is underpinned by compassion, humanness, cooperation and transparency,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they were able to work with the government of Botswana.
“I’m grateful that we live in a liberated South Africa where the good relation becomes the oil that enables us to work well."
Masisi said they came to see and bear witness to the site where his people lost their lives.
“Now I can go back and tell the people of Botswana that we have seen where their people ended. I thank the government of South Africa for showing compassion during this difficult time."
Masisi said they were grateful of the support they recieved.
“We cherish this relationship and the leadership of the ZCC for responding in a right manner,” he said.
The families of six victims who have been positively identified will receive the remains of their loved ones on Friday, 12 April, to kick-start the process of repatriation. The remaining victims will undergo thorough DNA and other tests to facilitate their conclusive identification.
