Limpopo-45: Messages of hope, support pour in

Mpho Mokwape - Pini Bothoko | Tuesday May 7, 2024 06:00

Through immense grief and sadness, families of those who perished in the accident that happened during the Easter holidays have been encouraged to trust in the Lord for healing. The victims were on a pilgrimage to Moria when the unthinkable happened near Mmamatlakala in Limpopo, South Africa. 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.' Speaker after speaker, who took to the podium to give words of comfort had the same message, that the families should lean more on God than their understanding 'for God is the Healer'. In his own words, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said the events that unfolded on that fateful day of the crash were unexplainable and that it was only God who carried everyone through that difficult process. “The bus crash was horrific and it has not been easy for all. We can only speak words of healing by encouraging trusting in God to heal the scars. We may never understand what happened, but God does and it’s only fair that we trust in Him,” he said. Giving official remarks, Tsogwane said the process was a difficult one, especially the forensic part but they prevailed because of cooperation between Botswana and SA. He noted that he was happy that they were able to bring the victims back home, which gave the families closure. For her part, SA's Limpopo Province Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba said she goes by the saying that 'matlo go sha mabapi’ that is why she found it befitting to bring condolences to the nation of Botswana as they mourn the lives of the departed souls. Ramathuba explained that when she heard about the accident, she immediately dispersed her officers to go and see what could have happened. “There was immediate action when the news of the crash broke and unfortunately we learnt that 45 Batswana lives have been lost. Those who know or have seen the road/bridge where the accident happened know it is a very dangerous road,” she said.



The MEC explained that though everyone was devastated by the news, she was grateful that the SA government was fully on board to help the victims and their families swiftly. Ramathuba said the two nations immediately collaborated to bring closure to the families, especially carrying out forensic analysis to identify the victims. “We are thankful that South Africa and Botswana governments worked together well to fasten the process while taking care of the bereaved families and especially the eight-year-old girl who survived the crash,” she said. She emphasised that the two nations are joined by their history and that they are the same people with the same vision, helping each other in good and bad times. Ramathuba sent condolences to Batswana on behalf of South Africa and that ‘fifing go tshwarwana ka kobo’. She encouraged the families to trust the process and believe that memories of the victims will live forever in the hearts of those who remain behind. Representative of St.Engenas ZCC, Peter Manthata said the accident was a tragedy but it was time to trust God more than ever.



He emphasised that Batswana should lean on God and try to use calamities to trust God as healing and blessings are found in Him. “All times we should examine all areas of our lives and see if it pleases God and try where we fail to seek forgiveness,” he said. Manthata pointed out that though tragic, the event has united the nation showing the true essence of humanity saying it was humbling that 'we all continue to share love'. He also delivered a message of hope from St.Engenas Bishop, St. Engenas Lekganyane, which read: “I would like to extend a special way of gratitude to the President of Botswana. The St.Engenas is humbled by the compassionate display and giving the loss full attention. We grieve and mourn with the affected families and the nation of Botswana. 'I also recognise the role played by the South African government. We appreciate the sensitive carrying of the incident in such a dignified manner with the process of identifying the victims and bringing them home. 'The two Presidents have displayed love and the church prays and blesses you with good health. May your cooperation serve as an example to other nations that success can be achieved. To the families who lost loved ones and the nation, we say many God heal all of us”. Other speakers who brought words of hope and encouragement included Botswana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Dr Sanji Monageng, Member of Parliament (MP) for Molepolole North Oabile Regoeng, Minister of State President and MP for Molepolole South Kabo Morwaeng and Bakwena Paramount Chief, Kgosi Kgari Sechele III.