Tuesday, 11 March 2025.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the 16 individuals who lost their lives in the devastating collision on the R21 northbound near OR Tambo International Airport, Ekurhuleni. We also send our well wishes to the survivors, including those who remain critically injured and those receiving medical care in hospital.

This horrific accident, which involved a bus and a light motor vehicle, resulted in the bus overturning, claiming the lives of 12 people at the scene, while four others succumbed to their injuries in hospital. At least 11 passengers remain in critical condition, while 24 others sustained injuries. The loss of life on our roads continues to be an unbearable burden, one that could be mitigated if the government took decisive action to ensure road safety.

The EFF demands a full and urgent investigation into the cause of this tragedy, with immediate transparency on the findings. We cannot continue to witness such catastrophic accidents without accountability and clear measures to prevent them. This disaster follows another accident just a day before, where four schoolchildren lost their lives in a collision on the N12 in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni. These frequent tragedies point to a failure in road infrastructure maintenance, law enforcement, and driver safety protocols.

The government must take full responsibility for its continued failure to ensure that roads are properly maintained, that public transport is held to high safety standards, and that reckless driving is met with serious consequences. Inadequate road conditions, poor regulation of drivers, and a lack of preventative measures continue to cost innocent lives.

Furthermore, the EFF urges all drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially during periods of heavy rain, where road conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Recklessness and negligence behind the wheel put the lives of passengers and other motorists at risk, making road safety a collective responsibility.

May the souls of the deceased rest in peace, and may their families find strength in this difficult time.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 304 7572