Families in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, are grappling with grief and heartbreak after a tragic bus accident claimed the lives of their loved ones. The devastating crash occurred on 11 March along the R21 highway near OR Tambo International Airport, leaving 12 people dead at the scene and many families shattered.
On Monday, 17 March, Ekurhuleni Council Chief Whip Pelisa Nkunjana, accompanied by ward councillors, ANC leadership, and local pastors, visited three bereaved families in Katlehong to offer condolences and support during this painful time. Nkunjana explained that the purpose of the visits was to stand with the grieving families and show that the community and government share their pain.
“There were two tragic incidents in Ekurhuleni: one on 10 March, where four pupils lost their lives, and the second was the bus crash on 11 March. As the City of Ekurhuleni, it is our duty to support these families, pray with them, and help ensure that they bury their loved ones with dignity,” Nkunjana said.
Among those who died in the bus crash was 33-year-old Sibusiso Sinqaba from Dikole Section in Katlehong. His family is struggling to cope with his sudden loss. Sibusiso’s cousin, Akhona Mvelase, shared her heartbreak, recalling their last conversation on 10 March.https://x.com/Newzroom405/status/1900980960205647911?t=nwKDWbtcvSmCp8N7y212Ow&s=19
“He had just started a new job and was so excited. He invited me over for the weekend, but sadly, we never got that chance. When I heard he had died in the bus crash, I was devastated. I still can’t believe it,” she said.
Akhona described Sibusiso as a friendly and lively person who loved making others laugh. His death is a huge loss to the family, especially to his 10-year-old son who has now lost his father. Sibusiso’s funeral will be held in the Eastern Cape on 22 March.
Sibusiso’s mother, Lwandlekazi Sinqaba, is also struggling with her grief. She revealed that the family had barely recovered from the loss of Sibusiso’s brother, who passed away just six months ago.
“I had high hopes for Sibusiso after he got the job. Now death has hit our family twice in a short time. It has left me feeling hopeless,” she shared.
Another family mourning their loss is that of 51-year-old Sarah Ndobela from Mokoena Section. Her daughter, Nonhlanhla Ndobela, recalled how her mother was unusually cheerful the morning she left for work. Hours later, the family received the heartbreaking news of the accident.
“We got a call that my mum was taken to Tambo Memorial Hospital. Sadly, she passed away the next day. It’s still hard to believe she’s gone,” said Nonhlanhla.
The family of Makhosazana Ncedo, 25, from Ngema Section, is also in deep sorrow. Her uncle, Vusi Phikwa, lit a candle during the visit and spoke about how the family’s dreams were shattered.
“She had dreams of building a home for the family. Her death has robbed us of so much,” he said.
The Katlehong community continues to mourn the tragic loss of life, with support from local leaders and pastors as they prepare to lay their loved ones to rest.