Sebokeng is draped in grief today as families, community members, learners and leaders gather at the Saul Tsotetsi Multipurpose Centre for the joint funeral service of three young learners whose lives were tragically cut short in the devastating Vanderbijlpark scholar transport accident. The atmosphere is heavy with sorrow as mourners come together to honour the memories of children who left home for school and never returned.
The three learners laid to rest are six-year-old Ofentse Jayden Raymond Vinger, a Grade 1 pupil at Oliver Lodge Primary School; 13-year-old Bokamoso Mokhobo, who had just begun her Grade 8 journey at Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark; and 16-year-old Thato Moetji, a Matric learner at the same school. Though they were at different stages of their educational journeys, they are united in the hearts of a grieving nation as innocent lives lost far too soon.
Family members sat side by side, some clutching framed photographs, others wiping away tears as hymns filled the hall. The pain was visible on every face, from parents who had pinned their hopes on their children’s futures to classmates struggling to comprehend the sudden absence of their friends. Small white coffins stood alongside larger ones, a heartbreaking reminder of how indiscriminate tragedy can be.
The joint funeral has drawn the presence of high-ranking government officials who came to pay their last respects and offer support to the bereaved families. Among the dignitaries in attendance are Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane, and Sedibeng District Municipality Executive Mayor Lerato Maloka.
In their messages of condolence, leaders expressed deep sorrow over the loss and acknowledged the collective trauma faced by families, schools and the wider community. They emphasised the need for accountability and renewed commitment to learner safety, particularly in scholar transport systems, which have once again come under scrutiny following the tragedy.
Family games
Ofentse Jayden Raymond Vinger was remembered as a cheerful young boy whose smile lit up classrooms and homes. Bokamoso Mokhobo was described as eager and hopeful, excited to start her high school journey and dream big. Thato Moetji, a Matric learner, was remembered for her determination and focus as she prepared for her final year of school, a year that was meant to mark new beginnings.
As prayers were offered and songs echoed through the centre, the service became not only a farewell but also a call for unity and action. Community members stood together in shared grief, vowing to keep the memories of the young learners alive and to push for safer roads and transport for all children.
Today, Sebokeng mourns. But amid the tears and heartbreak, the lives of Ofentse, Bokamoso and Thato will be remembered for the light they brought, however briefly, to their families, schools and community. 