Hundreds of mourners converged on the Sikhululiwe Community Hall this morning to attend the funeral service of the six children who tragically lost their lives in the train and school bus disaster.

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Steve Tshwete Local Municipality Executive Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela and Nkangala District Executive Mayor Thomas Ngwenya, were joined by a host of the province’s top ranking officials, most notable among them, the Premier of Mpumalanga Mandla Ndlovu.

The service took place in Mafube Village, home to the six Morelig Combined School learners.

Katlego Tshwarelo Majutla, Sibusiso Mokonene, Joseph Innocent Mabena, Nomfundo Alicia Sibanyoni, Sinenhlanhla Destiny Sibanyoni, and Dimpho Masina, were the children honoured today.

Mpumalanga Premier Ndlovu gave a rousing speech, calling for safety in the transportation of South Africa’s next generation of leaders, demanding regular inspections for both the vehicles used and the drivers employed to chaperone learners from one location to another.

He began his address by stating, “A dark cloud hangs over the province.”

“Your pain is our pain, your suffering is ours. On behalf of the provincial government and the people of Mpumalanga, we express our deepest condolences.”