Key Points
- The tragic N12 accident claimed the lives of four young learners.
- Authorities pledge stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.
- Families and the community mourn the loss of the siblings.
Residents of Daveyton and Ekurhuleni gathered to pay their final respects to the Zulu and Mofokeng families following the tragic deaths of siblings Hlompho Mofokeng and Khethelo Zulu.
The siblings were among four learners who died in a vehicle collision on the N12 highway earlier this week.
Authorities pledge safer roads for learners
The Gauteng Department of Education, in partnership with scholar transport organizations, has pledged to intensify efforts to safeguard learners on the roads.
Tshidi Makwela, representing the scholar transport sector, expressed this commitment during the funeral service held at WJ Mpengesi Primary School in Daveyton on Sunday.
“We must ensure our scholar transport system adheres to road safety regulations. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts are with the bereaved families.
The Ekurhuleni region, together with the Department of Education, will work to end this loss of life and enforce accountability,” said Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the provincial education department.
According to authorities, the accident occurred when multiple vehicles collided on the N12 westbound near the Putfontein Road off-ramp. One of the vehicles involved was a private scholar transport vehicle.
The deceased learners attended Tom Newby Primary School, Rynfield Primary School, and an unnamed Early Childhood Centre.
Heartfelt memories of the siblings
District Director Makgale Mokola, speaking on behalf of Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, who was absent due to ill health, acknowledged the week’s tragic events, noting a separate bus accident that claimed 13 lives on Tuesday. ”
It has been a dark week for the city and the department,” Mokola said. “Everyone here today can testify to the depth of this loss.”
The siblings were fondly remembered for their love of soccer and academic excellence. Their grandfather, Lucas Zulu, expressed the family’s grief, sharing that the two were inseparable.
“Hlompho and Khethelo were like twins. They always asked me to help them practice football. Our last conversation was about the game they loved,” he said.
Their mother, Yullanda Zulu, delivered an emotional tribute during the funeral. “Hlompho, I thank God for choosing me to be your mother.
It was an honor and joy to raise you. Khethelo, my sweet lastborn, the hugger, the kisser, the joyful one. Your humor brightened my darkest days,” she shared.
The community continues to mourn as authorities explore stricter measures to ensure learner safety in the scholar transport system.
