The MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, has learnt with sadness about the tragic passing of six learners, aged between 14 and 17, from Ndamase Senior Secondary School in Ngqeleni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These learners passed away in an accident which occurred between a truck and the bakkie they were travelling in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eighteen other people were injured, including the two drivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The learners who passed away in this accident were Lutho Mbalekwa, Liviwe Gobo, Nomvume Ngxaki, Alizwa Bango, Ayabonga Ndlangwe and Pumeza Ndamase (all were in Grade 10).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eastern Cape Education Departmental Spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, said the department had activated the psychosocial support services to assist the learners and educators including the bereaved families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cApart from that, a team from the district visited all the affected school and families including those who were hospitalised due to injuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe injured were taken to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and Mthatha Regional Hospital for further medical management,\u201d said Mtima. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gade sends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, schooling community and learners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish the families could find solace in God during this trying time of their lives. Our prayers are with the bereaved families, and we wish all those still hospitalised a speedily recovery,\u201d said Gade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the spokesperson for the Department of Transport, Unathi Binqose, this incident occurred in the afternoon while learners were going home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Binqose said that two vehicles \u2013 a rigid truck that had given a lift to learners loaded with building material \u2013 collided with a bakkie also carrying learners from the nearby Ndamase Senior Secondary School. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe two veered off the road after colliding, and ploughed into a group of learners walking home on the side of the road. The injured were taken to Nelson Mandela Academic hospital and Mthatha General Hospital for further medical management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe cause of accident is still unknown at this stage, as the incident is still under investigation. A culpable homicide docket has been opened at Ngqeleni Police Station for further investigation,\u201d said Binqose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He confirmed that the bakkie was not a scholar transport vehicle. He said they do not contract bakkies for scholar transport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAny person who wants a contract for scholar transport should come with a quantum that has all the safety measures such as seat belts, etc., so we do not use bakkies at all to transport learners.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, has learnt with sadness about the tragic passing of six learners, aged between 14 and 17, from Ndamase Senior Secondary School in 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