Six learners of Jim Chavani laid to rest

The Minister of Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, MEC for Education in Limpopo Ms Polly Boshielo and the mayor of the Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Moses Maluleke, attended the mass funeral service held for the six Grade 11 learners of Jim Chabane High in Xikundu village outside Malamulele who died in a car crash on Friday, 16 April. The service was held at the Saselamani Stadium on Friday, 23 April.

The deceased children reportedly hitch-hiked home after school and got a lift from a 19-year-old man. The young man allegedly drove at a high speed, lost control over the vehicle on the D98 road and smashed into a house. The vehicle overturned, instantly killing six, while eight more children were seriously injured.

“I understand how difficult it must be for the parents and family of the deceased learners to cope. Losing a child is one of the hardest things, but we are here to offer our condolences and comfort to them,” said Motshekga. “I want to reassure the family that the sun will one day shine again. Keep strong; we are on your side.”

One of the learners, Vukosi Ringani, was buried in his home village of Saselamani last Thursday, while Nhaluko Maluleke, Vuxaza Chauke, Rihlampfu Xivutiso and Tommy Masipenda were buried on Friday. Themba Nyambi was buried the next day (Saturday).

Mr Emmanuel Ndobe, Jim Chavani High’s principal, said the accident had left a void at the school. The school recently celebrated their good 2020 matric results, with a pass rate of 97.2%. Ndobe said that they never thought that their high spirits would plunge into such a state of sorrow so soon.

Precious Chauke, the learners’ representative at Jim Chavani High, said that she was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of her fellow learners and that school would never be the same without them. She called on the Department of Education to provide transport for school children, as many had to travel more than five kilometres to and from school.

Date:29 April 2021

By: Silas Nduvheni

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