SADTU STATEMENT ON THE DEATHS OF 10 TEACHERS IN A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT IN LIMPOPO
29 May 2024
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) is mourning the 10 teachers who died in a tragic head-on collision between the taxi they were travelling in and a truck on the R521 Dendron Road outside Polokwane in Limpopo yesterday.
The teachers, eight females and two males, were all members of SADTU. They were using common transport to different schools they worked in when they met this tragic incident before 6am. Two of the teachers taught at Bothanang Primary School. The eight others taught at Seakamela Primary School, Kgobokanang Primary School, Maphejte Primary School, Mantontole Primary School, Radibolojte Primary School, Radira Secondary School, Ramotshabi Secondary School, and Kgolouthwana Secondary School
Their death which has come at the critical time of mid-year examinations has left the union reeling in deep pain and shock. This tragic loss will, in do doubt, leave a huge gap in their families and the teaching profession. Their collective experience and wisdom can never be replaced.
It is deeply frustrating that at this day and age teachers, as workers, still must wake up in the early hours to travel long distances to their workplaces and come back to their homes in the evenings.
We express our sincere condolences to their families and the learners they teach. We equally feel their pain and hurt. We call on the Department of Basic Education to avail psycho-social services to the learners and fellow colleagues so that they can deal with this tragedy and gain the strength and resilience to function.
According to reports, misty weather conditions may have been the possible cause of the accident due to poor visibility. However, we call on the police not to leave it at that but to investigate the matter further. We also call on motorists to exercise caution and vigilance when driving.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat