logo
EFF expresses condolences for 12 supporters lost in tragic bus crash

EFF expresses condolences for 12 supporters lost in tragic bus crash

IOL News4 days ago

Twelve EFF supporers were killed in a bus crash in Vryheid
Image: KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has shared messages of condolences following the deaths of 12 people killed in a horror crash on the R34 highway in Vryheid, in KwaZulu-Natal, early on Tuesday morning.
The members were on their way home after spending Youth Day at uMlazi, in the Durban south area.
Craig Botha of KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service said a multi-service emergency response team worked to stabilise all patients before transport to nearby medical facilities for further treatment.
"Nine occupants were declared dead at the scene, having sustained fatal injuries before emergency services arrived. Three critically injured patients later died at hospital despite intensive efforts by paramedics and medical staff," Botha said.
Scenes from the bus crash
Image: Supplied
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said he is awaiting an updated report from the Road Traffic Inspectorate as well as the South African Police Service.
"We have been informed that dismembered body parts of some victims are still missing. In view of this, the number of fatalities will either decrease or increase. In addition, some victims were taken to local hospitals and we are making all efforts to reach out to family members," Duma said.
The bus has been taken to the Vryheid Road Traffic Inspectorate offices. The truck is still at the scene of the accident, and plans are underway to remove it.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Mrs South Africa inspires Dalpark learners with powerful message
Mrs South Africa inspires Dalpark learners with powerful message

The South African

time17 hours ago

  • The South African

Mrs South Africa inspires Dalpark learners with powerful message

The reigning Mrs South Africa, Erin-Jane Miller, brought hope and inspiration to Dalpark Independent School in Benoni this week. Her visit, just after Youth Day, generated excitement among learners and teachers alike. Miller's heartfelt message struck a chord: 'You never know what battles others are fighting.' The event, organised by the 4Change Foundation, was more than just a school visit. It was an experience. Learners participated in interactive activities, lively skits, and candid conversations. The focus? The real challenges facing South African youth today. Bullying, gender-based violence, and the struggle to find one's identity were all on the agenda, according to her Instagram post. 'If there's one thing I hope the youth take away from this month, it's the importance of self-discovery,' Miller told the learners. 'You're still figuring out who you are. It's tough. But remember, when someone acts out, it's often a cry for help. Be gracious. Everyone is facing their struggles.' Miller's words resonated deeply. Many students nodded in agreement, with some even sharing their own stories. The atmosphere was open and supportive. 'We need to address the root causes, not just put a plaster on the wound,' Miller said. 'It starts at home, with the values we teach. We must empower young girls and encourage men to step up as positive role models.' The 4Change Foundation, which Miller has supported for over 16 years, uses arts, mentorship, and leadership training to uplift communities. Their work has changed thousands of lives across South Africa. During the visit, Miller shared a moving story about twin brothers who went from being the school's troublemakers to becoming a teacher and a navy serviceman. 'You cannot deny the power of a changed life,' she said. 'All it takes is someone believing in you.' Miller's background gives her words weight. Growing up, she saw firsthand the dangers of gangsterism, drug abuse, and limited opportunities. 'I want to create different options for our youth,' she said. 'Too many young people fall into crime because they feel forgotten.' Her role as Mrs South Africa has opened new doors for the 4Change Foundation. 'The platform has given us access to key stakeholders and resources,' Miller explained. 'It's about reaching more people with a meaningful message. It's far more than a pageant.' Looking ahead, Miller is helping to launch 'Elevate', a new support programme for university students. The initiative, in partnership with a major tertiary institution, will offer an app for vulnerable students to access essentials like meals and resources. 'My goal is to use every resource I have to share these stories,' Miller said. 'Empowering young people changes communities. I encourage everyone to support youth programmes in any way they can.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Top 10 stories of the day: Shivambu sticks with MK
Top 10 stories of the day: Shivambu sticks with MK

The Citizen

timea day ago

  • The Citizen

Top 10 stories of the day: Shivambu sticks with MK

Here's your daily news update for Thursday, 19 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, former uMkhonto weSizwe party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has vowed to remain within the Jacob Zuma-led political formation, despite considering forming a new party. Meanwhile, alarm bells are ringing over the number of Gauteng police vehicles currently in the workshop awaiting repairs. Furthermore, the EFF has confirmed that Julius Malema was denied entry into the United Kingdom (UK) due to his political views. Weather tomorrow: 20 June 2025 Yellow warnings have been issued for coastal winds and waves from Saldanha Bay to East London. Freezing daytime temperatures are also expected in the Western Cape and Northern Cape. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Shivambu says money stolen from MK party – and he won't resign Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has vowed to remain within the Jacob Zuma-led political formation, despite considering forming a new party. Shivambu was recently dismissed from his role as secretary-general following a controversial trip to Malawi, where he visited fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri. Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu at Sandton Sun And Towers on 24 February 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi Although it was initially announced that he would be redeployed to parliament, this has not yet materialised. During a press briefing held at the Mhulu Luxury Boutique Hotel in Midrand, Shivambu claimed that his removal was the result of allegations that he was plotting to unseat Zuma as leader of the MK party. CONTINUE READING: Shivambu says money stolen from MK party – and he won't resign Here's how many Gauteng police vehicles are standing idle Alarm bells are ringing over the number of Gauteng police vehicles currently in the workshop awaiting repairs. Several stations were found to be operating with more than 20% of their fleet out of service, while tasked with policing more than 200 000 residents in their precincts. Image for illustrative purposes. Picture: iStock A report compiled by the provincial government also listed the reasons for the breakdowns, as well as the size and population of each station. The report showed that 710 out of 5 630 police vehicles were standing idle as of the end of May. CONTINUE READING: Here's how many Gauteng police vehicles are standing idle Banned again: Malema's presence not 'conducive to the public good', say UK authorities The EFF has confirmed that Julius Malema was denied entry into the United Kingdom (UK) due to his political views. On Thursday, EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the party received a letter from the British government indicating that Malema was denied a visa because of his views on the Israeli war in Gaza and his controversial race-centred political views. EFF leader Julius Malema. Picture: Neil McCartney/The Citizen 'In a correspondence from the UK Home Office Secretary, the country has confirmed that it has effectively banned the president of the EFF due to his position in relation to the genocide of Palestinian people, and his expressed support for the resistance movement fighting against the genocidal Israeli regime. As well as his position and that of the EFF on racial inequality in South Africa,' he said. Thambo said the letter states that Malema's presence in the UK would not be desirable under the current circumstances. CONTINUE READING: Banned again: Malema's presence not 'conducive to the public good', say UK authorities Tobacco Bill bans sale of loose cigarettes – informal traders fear bankruptcy The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill in South Africa prohibits the sale of single cigarettes (or loose cigarettes), which informal traders say could bankrupt their businesses. The Portfolio Committee on Health discussed the impact of the Bill on businesses earlier this week. Members have completed public hearings in all provinces and are now taking oral submissions in parliament. For illustrative purposes. Picture: iStock Mampapatla Madikoto, Limpopo Small, Medium Enterprises and Hawkers Association general secretary, told members of the portfolio committee that the ban on single cigarettes would cripple their operations, as many of their customers not only buy cigarettes but also other items. CONTINUE READING: Tobacco Bill bans sale of loose cigarettes – informal traders fear bankruptcy South Africa's award-winning trio bags another accolade at Monte-Carlo Television Festival If it's not broke, don't fix it, they say. And the film trio of actress Leleti Khumalo, producer Anant Singh, and film director and writer Darrell Roodt need not fix anything, as the three scooped another award last night at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. SA film Don't Give Up won at the Monte-Carlo Television festival. Picture: Supplied 'I'd like to thank the Videovision team and the director, Darrell Roodt, who came up with this amazing project. And I thank Anant for always believing in me and for always having faith in me,' Khumalo said in her speech. South Africa's trio won the Golden Nymph Award in the 'Special Creation' category for the film Don't Give Up. CONTINUE READING: South Africa's award-winning trio bags another accolade at Monte-Carlo Television Festival Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Bavuma: Proteas win sinks in | MaMkhize's luxury cars up for auction | Kyalami nears F1

Greenspark community marks Youth Day with powerful anti-drug campaign
Greenspark community marks Youth Day with powerful anti-drug campaign

The Citizen

timea day ago

  • The Citizen

Greenspark community marks Youth Day with powerful anti-drug campaign

The Greenspark community in Fochville took a firm stand against drug abuse on Youth Day, using the occasion to raise awareness and inspire change among local youth. March and sports unite youth against drugs Led by community activist Glen Fourie, the event began with a peaceful march from Greenspark Primary School to the local stadium. Once there, young people enjoyed a day of soccer and netball, promoting healthy alternatives to substance use. 'If you go to the police holding cells at Fochville, they are full of young people who stole to get money to buy drugs,' Fourie said. He emphasized the urgent need for intervention, especially in areas with limited recreational opportunities. Former addicts share their stories Community member Calvin Fourie, a recovering addict, shared his journey: 'I started using drugs because of peer pressure. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. Now, I feel sorry for the young users who have to sleep outside in the winter cold because of their choices.' Calvin is now clean and actively shares his experience to help guide others. Plans to build a safer, drug-free Greenspark Driven by concern and hope, residents are determined to change the narrative in Greenspark. Future plans include: Workshops to teach youth healthy coping strategies Collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Departments of Health and Social Services Involvement of churches and local businesses The possible installation of boom gates at town entrances to curb criminal activity Broad support from community stakeholders The event received strong backing from various sectors. Traffic officers from Merafong City Local Municipality ensured safety during the march, and local churches and government departments pledged continued support. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store