By REGINALD KANYANE
16 October 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Tuesday conveyed condolences to the families of the 43 people who lost their lives in the N1 bus crash near Makhado in Limpopo and also wished more than 29 hospitalised passengers with serious injuries a speedy recovery.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole called for intensified road traffic law enforcement to reduce the carnage on public roads, declaring that the crash that occurred on Sunday evening when the bus veered off the road and tumbled down a steep embankment in the mountainous area has marred October Transport Month.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives that have left the country and neighbouring countries reeling with shock and urge faith communities to keep families that are mourning the untimely deaths of their loved ones in their prayers.
“We commend the emergency rescue crew that worked throughout the night to retrieve bodies of 18 women, 18 men, seven children and survivors. Overloading, unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving compromise passenger transport safety and should be clamped down,” said Shole.
He expressed concern about how the bus that left from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape destined for neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi overloaded with 91 passengers instead of 60 travelled through Free State, Gauteng and Limpopo until it reached the tragic site. Shole further said law enforcement agencies should extend their probe to possible corrupt practices by unethical road traffic law enforcement officials and tighten civilian and stakeholder oversight will contribute towards safer passenger transportation.
“The economic cost of the carnage and the burden that it imposes on the public health system is enormous. One life lost on public roads is a life too many. We urge motorists travelling long distances to rest after every two hours to avoid fatigue which he described as a killer.
“Public transport drivers and other road users must be cautious and vigilant. Observing safe following distance and the rules of the road will ensure that motorists are able to avoid accidents and fatalities on our roads,” he added.
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