The mother of Buhle Radebe, the young woman who captured the nation’s attention after being filmed crying at the scene of the devastating Vanderbijlpark crash, has finally broken her silence. Buhle became widely known on social media as the “Lady in Red,” a name given to her after footage of her grief-stricken moment circulated online following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 14 pupils.
Speaking from a place of deep pain and faith, Buhle’s mother shared her heartbreak over how her daughter’s most vulnerable moment became a viral label. She explained that seeing Buhle reduced to a nickname on social media added another layer of pain to an already unbearable loss.
“It’s a pain I cannot even put into words,” she said. “When I opened my TikTok and saw my child being called ‘the lady in red,’ my heart broke. While we are crying and trying to survive this pain, others are creating content.”
The Vanderbijlpark crash sent shockwaves across the country, sparking national mourning and renewed calls for accountability and improved road safety. Amid the grief, images and videos from the scene spread rapidly online, turning Buhle into an unintended symbol of the tragedy. For her family, however, she was far more than a viral image — she was a daughter, a believer, and a source of spiritual strength.
In her message, Buhle’s mother chose to anchor her pain in faith, sharing a Bible verse that she says has carried the family through their darkest days. She quoted Isaiah 43:2, a passage that speaks of God’s presence during times of hardship: *“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.”*
According to her mother, this verse reflects who Buhle was at her core. She described her daughter as a devoted prayer warrior whose faith went far beyond her young age. Despite being one of the youngest in the family, Buhle was known for praying with conviction and encouraging those around her, including elders.
“She was a prayer warrior,” her mother said. “Though so young, she prayed with power. She motivated us — even as elders.”
Family members and those who knew Buhle have echoed these sentiments, describing her as a source of light, faith, and encouragement. Her prayers, they say, brought comfort to many, and her spiritual strength left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
As the community continues to mourn the learners lost in the crash, Buhle’s family hopes that her story will be remembered not for a viral moment, but for the life she lived and the faith she carried. Her mother ended her message with a heartfelt farewell, using a name that reflects closeness and love.
“La Mashabane… you will be missed dearly.”
As South Africa reflects on the tragedy, Buhle Radebe’s story serves as a reminder of the real people behind the headlines — families in pain, lives cut short, and faith being used as an anchor in the midst of unimaginable loss. 
