Thursday, 19 June 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) yesterday paid visits to the bereaved families and hospitalised survivors of the Vryheid bus crash that claimed 10 lives who were coming from our Youth Day Rally in Umlazi earlier this week. The visit followed the official process of family members identifying the bodies of their loved ones.

The Secretary-General of the EFF, Marshall Dlamini, accompanied by the former Deputy Secretary-General Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi, National Spokesperson Thembi Msane, and members of the Provincial Command Team were warmly received by the grieving families and survivors. During these solemn engagements, the EFF delivered words of comfort to the families and reaffirmed our commitment to stand with them not only in this moment of pain, but in the difficult days that lie ahead.

The following are the lives we lost in this tragic accident:

Sbongakonke Mathe (17)

Ntombi Ndlovu (19)

Lungani Sunday Mbatha (25)

Phumlani Zulu (46)

Thokozani Mashazi (29)

Ayanda Khumalo (27)

Qhwalisile Sibisi (44)

⁠Manqele Sboniso (23)

Thuthukani Dube (26)

Siyanda Twala (23)

We acknowledge the trauma and unbearable loss these families have suffered, and we reiterate our call for proper investigation and accountability to ensure such tragedies are prevented in future. The EFF will continue to work alongside the affected families to ensure they receive the necessary support, emotionally and materially, as they begin the painful process of mourning and healing.

Details regarding the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Sinawo Thambo (National Spokesperson) 072 629 7422

Thembi Msane (National Spokesperson) 061 467 8169

Andiswa Madikazi (Parliament Media Liason) 069 516 4924

Thato Lebyane (Media Inquiries) 078 563 1581