Madibatlou Primary mourns the death of two of its learners
Some of the teachers and learners collapsed and fainted and needed medical and trauma counselling
Parents of the learners who survived the Monday-morning horrific crash which claimed the lives of two learners are still counting their lucky stars.
Nineteen learners survived the crash and had to be rushed to the Thembisa Hospital for medical attention. One of the 19 survivors is said to be in a critical condition.
The accident involving a taxi and a motorbike happened at the intersection of Old Pretoria Road (M57) and Apollo Road just outside Olifantsfontein. The driver of the motorbike also died.
Speaking during this paper’s visit to the hospital, parents said they were relieved that their children were safe.
“I am still shocked but take comfort that at least my child and many other children survived.
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“I feel bad though for the two children who were killed and my prayers and thoughts are with their families. You know, there is nothing more painful than to see little children die in this manner. I am really sad about what happened here,” said Gloria Moagi. Her child, a Grade Three learner at Madibatlou Primary School, is one of the survivors. The child escaped with minor bruises on her ear.
This paper also visited the school concerned, and there it was business unusual as learners and teachers were still in shock and needed attention as well.
Some of the teachers and learners collapsed and fainted and needed medical and trauma counselling.
Trying to motivate the learners were the MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi and the City of Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, councillor Frans Mmoko.
“I want to implore you to work hard and succeed in your studies and do it in honour of the two learners who passed on today. I am sure they would have wished that you honour and remember them by doing great in life and have a brighter future.
“There are no better words to say to you than to plead with you to be strong,” said Mmoko.
The City of Ekurhuleni had to dispatch its emergency services’ chaplaincy to help the learners and teachers of the school where the children were studying.
Lesufi promised that his department will provide counselling for all the affected parties.
