The accident that claimed 12 lives near Klerksdorp is probably the most tragic and horrific that the province has experienced, North West Premier Thandi Modise said in expressing shock to the fatal accident that left 12 people dead when two taxis collided head-on on the N12 near Klerksdorp.

“We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families involved and want them to know that they will be in our prayers during this difficult time. We also appeal very strongly to motorists to drive at the appropriate speed and avoid drinking and driving as well as overtaking when it is not safe to do so,” said Premier Modise in conveying her condolences and calling for change in driving habits.

The accident happened 20 kilometres outside of Klerksdorp on the Wolmaranstad road on Sunday night.

Police say most of the victims were flung from one of the taxis when it was ripped open during the collision.

Seven adults and five children, ranging between one and six years believed to be from Taung died on the scene. They include both drivers of the vehicles.

Eight people who sustained multiple injuries were being treated at a nearby hospital. Two of them are said to be in a critical condition.

Premier Modise urged motorists to drive cautiously particularly now during the start of the festive season and throughout to avoid unnecessary accidents.

“We urge our people to excise caution on the road and observe all the rules. It is particularly important that people must not drive recklessly and negligently as that compromises the safety of other road users,” cautioned Premier Modise.

The cause of the accident is being investigated, but it is believed that one of the taxis was overtaking other vehicles when it collided head-one with the oncoming taxi.-TDN
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The election of Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of Bakgatla Ba-KgafelanTraditional Council as the Deputy President of the Congress of Traditional Leadership of South Africa(Contralesa) should be celebrated as a recognition of the potential and invaluable contribution that traditional leadership from the North West Province could make towards restoring the dignity of the institution of traditional leadership, Premier Thandi Modise said on Wednesday.

Premier Modise said that the election of Kgosi Pilane at the helm of Contralesa over the weekend follows the election of Kgosi Phopolo Pontsho Maubane from the province as the Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leadership until August 2006.

“We wish to congratulate Kgosi Pilane and the leadership collective of the executive committee elected to serve with him and wish them the best in their mission to unite traditional leaders and restore the dignity of the institution of traditional leadership,” said Premier Modise.

The Premier said that she is confident that Contralesa had made the right choice in electing Kgosi Setlamorago Thobejane to take the reins from the outgone President Advocate Patekile Holomisa who had served the organisation for 23years.

“We concur with Contralesa that Kgosi Thobejane has the necessary skill and diverse experience to steer the ship as he had been instrumental in addressing challenges facing traditional institutions,initiation schools,language,culture as well as the preservation indigenous knowledge systems during his tenure as general secretary under Inkosi Holomisa,” added Modise.

Other elected members who were elected into the Executive Committee are general secretary Xolile Ndevu, assistant general secretary Pinky Mota, treasurer Gambani Mabena and Zolani Mkiva as national organiser.-TDN
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