Illicit activities at vehicle testing stations to be tackled to remove moving coffins from our roads

IT HAS been a very tough week for the families of the horrific bus accident in Tongaat.

- SIBONISO DUMA

When I visited the scene of the accident, I was horrified. I immediately thought about the innocent passengers who were heading to work to fend for their families.

Economically active people who were breadwinners have had their lives destroyed. Families have lost their loved ones, with children becoming orphans.

We are likely to have survivors becoming disabled, which will have a significant impact on the household income and potentially push families into poverty.

We have been informed that road accidents cost the South African economy over R164 billion annually, an equivalent to 3.4% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

In addition, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) paid out over R45.6 billion in claims in the 2023-2024 financial year.

Once again we express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Equally, we wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.

Apart from our preliminary reports that point to a mechanical failure, we have heard many stories from witnesses, survivors, community leaders and the people of Tongaat about what they believe was the main cause of the accident.

However, we issued a statement reiterating our commitment to ensuring that a proper investigation was conducted in order to establish the real cause of this accident.

I have mandated our highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate to work with the South African Police Service, eThekwini metro police, and Road Traffic Management Corporation as part of a broader investigation.