A devastating accident has occurred in Limpopo, South Africa, claiming the lives of six African National Congress (ANC) members who were en route to the party’s 112th birthday rally in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
The incident, which took place on Saturday morning, has left at least 18 others injured. ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane and Police Minister Bheki Cele have confirmed the tragic news.
The members were traveling in a bus that rolled down an embankment on the R71-Magoebaskloof road in the Mopani District. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has issued a warning, stating that the road is currently closed for emergency services.
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Motorists traveling between Polokwane and Tzaneen are advised to use alternative routes such as the R528 (George’s Valley) or the R36 (Duiwelskloof) road.
ANC leaders in Limpopo, including Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba, have already returned to the scene to assist with the aftermath of the accident.
The tragic loss of their fellow party members has deeply saddened the ANC. Mokonyane expressed her condolences and emphasized that the members’ attempt to attend the rally will not be in vain.
Mokonyane stated in an interview with eNCA, “This morning we lost some of our own members, who were on their way here from the Peter Mokaba region. Our leaders from Limpopo have already gone back home. We are quite saddened by that. Their attempt to be here will not be in vain.”
She further added, “It’s a very devastating experience, there are those that have been confirmed, but we’re waiting for the police to clear the entire area.
“The MEC of Health from Limpopo is also at the scene, numbers have been shared, but we believe that up until we get confirmation from the authorities, we know that lives have been lost. We are quite saddened by that and we commit to do better in their memory.”
MEC Florence Radzilani, who was supposed to attend the celebration in Mbombela, has been excused and will instead lead a delegation of ANC leaders to the accident scene. They will also visit various hospitals where the injured victims have been admitted.
As the ANC mourns the loss of their members, the entire nation stands in solidarity with their grieving families and friends. This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continuous efforts to prevent such incidents.
While the ANC birthday rally will undoubtedly be overshadowed by this heartbreaking event, it is crucial to remember the spirit of unity and resilience that the party represents.
The ANC has been a driving force in South African politics for over a century, and the dedication and commitment of its members will continue to shape the nation’s future.
May the souls of the departed ANC members rest in peace, and may their sacrifice inspire us all to strive for a better and safer South Africa.
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