SEDIBENG.- While this column usually focuses on the field of play, some events are so profound that they demand a different kind of attention. The recent tragedy involving a school transport vehicle has left South Africa in mourning, but the aftermath has revealed a disturbing rot in our social conscience.
Zakes’ Sports Corner knows that among the children lost were young athletes, talented footballers, netballers, and runners.
Those were kids who woke up with dreams of reaching the highest levels of sport, only to have their ambitions cruelly taken away before they reached their destination. Ironically, their inspiring dreams were crushed in that fatal scholar transport accident.
January 19 was made exponentially worse when parents, families, and relatives had to see their loved one’s lifeless bodies on all the social media platforms.
Zakes’ Sport Corner feels it is safe to say our society has lost humanity, Botho Ubuntu.
This behaviour is not just unprofessional; it is an act of extreme cruelty.
Many parents and relatives were forced to see the remains of their loved ones on a screen before being officially notified. Despite pleas to remove the sensitive content, many creators refused, prioritising “likes” and engagement over basic human decency.
To those who used this misery for social media power, history will judge you harshly.
There is no place in a civilised society for those who profit from the trauma of grieving parents.
HELL is where you belong!
The damage caused to the grieving is immeasurable because no amount of digital engagement is worth the dignity of a child.
The toxic side of social media has caused too much damage in our society, and no one is brave enough to say “enough is enough!”
Zakes’ Sports Corner doesn’t even want to talk about what led to the accident, because it is not going to bring those innocent souls back.
This tragedy hits incredibly close to home as my own daughter attends school with some of the victims.
Zakes’ Sports Corner extends its deepest, most sincere condolences to the families, friends, and schoolmates of the children lost.
We stand with you in this dark time!
