Sedie JSS remembers its fallen heroes
Boniface Keakabetse | Tuesday October 10, 2017 15:47
Armed with a trophy, the buoyed team’s ecstatic return trip was cut short by a tragic road accident near Mmashoro.
The accident claimed the lives of teachers: Obvious Nkumba and Chikadzi Pagiwa and students: Reshando Gabriel, Nkosi Burusa, Lamodimo Kerobilwe, Kealeboga Gagoiponwe and Benjamin Kelepile.
On Friday Sedie JSS unveiled a monument in front of the school administration bloc in the memory of its fallen heroes.
Narrating what led to the accident during the ceremony, Lenkganne Nthoiwa who was the team captain, said the team just had breakfast at Serowe and left for Maun. After Mmashoro an accident happened when the bus transporting them was involved in a head-on collision with an oncoming truck.
The horrific accident left seven people from the school bus dead while two people in the truck also died. The death toll eventually reached 12. Nthoiwa said he is now left with permanent injuries on knees, which prevented him from joining the army.
Nthoiwa further revealed that one of the survivors of that accident is Wabuya Aebe who now plays for Jwaneng Galaxy after joining this year from Sankoyo Bush Bucks.
The chairman of North West District Council, Duncan Enga called on the Ministry of Basic Education to introduce travel insurance for students undertaking extracurricular activities such as sports. Enga said the country has been marred by fatal and serious accidents, which have left students with permanent injuries.
Enga cited the Sedie and Matsha Secondary School fatal accidents. Further Enga said there is a need to make arrangements that victims of schools accidents are adequately compensated for injuries sustained during school trips.
Guest Speaker during the event, branch manager of Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA), Lolo Mosojane explained that MVA facilitates the formation of road safety clubs in schools in an effort to stop escalating accidents involving students.
He further reiterated that MVA also looks to collaborate with the Ministry of Basic Education and the Central Transport Organisation drivers for defensive driving courses. Mosojane called on schools to avoid undertaking night trips. Mosojane said MVA offers support for all victims of road accidents. Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) President, Joshua Gaothobogwe told the gathering that his association is concerned about schools road accidents and lack of safety for athletes during schools sports activities. Gaothobogwe explained that there have been incidents where students athletes experienced crippling and fatal injuries. “The issue of safety is still a hot potato in school sports.
There have been incidents where athletes collapse during training and competitions.” He however challenged parents not to be dissuaded by accidents happening in sports and allow children to play sports.
Gaothobogwe said BISA has put up measures like introduction of medical personnel to help athletes during competitions. He further reiterated that they regularly train school sports officials on better safety practices to safeguard the safety of students playing organised sports. Gaothobogwe challenged the Ministry of Basic Education to avail requisite budget and resources for students’ safety during school sports activities.