IN a tribute to the young learners who died in Monday’s tragic scholar transport collision near Vanderbijlpark, Wyebank Crèche held a candlelight remembrance service on Friday morning (January 23).

Educators and children gathered outside the creche dressed in white and pink colours, chosen to symbolise innocence, hope and compassion

A pastor from a nearby church, Brenden Naidoo, led the group of educators and learners in prayer for the families of the victims and for the broader safety of children on South African roads.

Also read: JUST IN: Scholar transport vehicle crashes into a tree in Sarnia

Fourteen learners died after a minibus taxi carrying schoolchildren collided with a truck.

“We wanted to create a space where even our youngest children could express sympathy in their own way and remember the lives lost,” said the creche’s principal, Ivey Govender.

Across Gauteng and the Vaal region, community members, trade unions and faith organisations have held vigils and candlelight ceremonies at and near the crash site, urging authorities to improve scholar transport safety and accountability.

The driver, Ayanda Dludla, has been charged with 14 counts of murder, reckless and negligent driving, and other charges. He has since appeared in court where he abandoned his bail application.

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