The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leadership visited the survivors and families of the ten members who tragically died in a horrific accident near Vryheid.
The crash, which occurred along the R34 route, has shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about road safety in South Africa.
EFF Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini and several party officials extended their condolences during an emotional gathering with the bereaved families and hospitalized survivors.
EFF Pledges Support to Families Affected by the R34 Bus Crash
The accident occurred as the bus, filled with EFF members returning from a Youth Day rally in KwaZulu-Natal, collided head-on with a truck.
According to early reports, the truck may have struck the side of the bus after the initial impact.
On June 18, the EFF posted a statement on X expressing their sorrow and promising to honor the memory of the victims.
They described the deceased as “falling in the line of duty” and committed to assisting in the ongoing identification process.
The party is also working with authorities to determine the full cause of the tragedy.
ANC Expresses Solidarity With EFF During Period of Mourning
The African National Congress (ANC) released a public message mourning the loss of life and standing in solidarity with the EFF.
They offered heartfelt condolences to the families and wished the injured a full and speedy recovery.
This unified political response underscores the shared grief felt across party lines during national tragedies.
Government Pushes for Clarity Amid Conflicting Reports
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has ordered a full investigation into the crash.
He confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) are leading the inquiry.
Survivor statements have provided conflicting accounts, which complicates the process.
Some passengers claimed the bus driver attempted to overtake another vehicle, while others believe the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
MEC Duma urged the public to avoid speculation until official findings are released.
Road Safety Reforms Back in the Spotlight
The devastating R34 crash has reignited debates around South Africa’s road infrastructure and safety enforcement.
Duma acknowledged the growing calls for reform and highlighted the government’s long-standing goal to shift cargo transport from road to rail.
He stated that working with the national government to make this transition could help reduce the frequency of such deadly incidents.
Transport analysts have long warned that overreliance on long-distance trucking contributes significantly to highway congestion and road accidents.
This tragedy could serve as a turning point for policymakers to prioritize transport reforms.
A Time for Unity and Change
As the EFF mourns its fallen members, the rest of the country joins in reflecting on the human cost of road safety neglect.
With condolences pouring in from various political and civil organizations, the tragedy has united South Africans in shared grief.
It has also sparked urgent discussions about how to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Whether these conversations will lead to concrete policy shifts remains to be seen.