President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi following a devastating bus crash near Makhado (formerly Louis Trichardt) in Limpopo, which claimed 42 lives.
The victims, mostly Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, were travelling from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape to their home countries when the bus veered off a mountainous section of the N1 and plunged down an embankment. Several passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
President Ramaphosa described the tragedy as heartbreaking, especially as it occurred during Transport Month — a period dedicated to promoting road safety in South Africa.
“This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike. Our roads are economic networks that bring the people of our region together across our national borders. We must do everything we can as road users, as transport operators, drivers and passengers to ensure that we stay safe and that we share our roads responsibly and with care for one another,” Ramaphosa said.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is expected to visit the crash site on Monday to meet emergency personnel and assess ongoing response efforts. She and several provincial MECs also visited hospitals where survivors are being treated.
“Losing so many lives in one incident is painful beyond words. On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government, we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families,” Ramathuba said.
Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye confirmed that a 10-month-old baby was among the deceased. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident may have been caused by either driver fatigue or a mechanical fault, though a full investigation is underway.
The provincial government is providing psychosocial support to survivors and coordinating with consular officials from Zimbabwe and Malawi to assist affected families.
Traffic authorities and the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue to investigate the exact cause of the crash. Motorists have been advised that the N1 freeway near Ingwe Lodge remains partially restricted, with alternative routes recommended from Makhado to Musina via the Witvlag turnoff and from Musina to Makhado via the Williespoort turnoff.
