Free State: Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana will deliver the eulogy at the memorial service of six Riebeeckstad High School girl learners who lost their lives in a school bus accident, and the memorial service will be on Thursday.
The accident happened last week, 06 February 2024, on the R70 between Senekal and Ventersburg. Six pupils died on the scene, while others who sustained injuries ranging from serious to moderate were transported to various hospitals.
More than 1000 people, including learners, parents, teachers, Members of the Provincial Executive Council, Mayors and other education stakeholders, are expected to attend the memorial service.
Free State MEC for Education Makalo Mohale will deliver the message of support at the service.
Details of the memorial service will be held as follows:
Date: Thursday, 15 February 2024
Time: 11:00
Venue: Kingdom Ministries, Dagbreek, Welkom.
The memorial service will be followed by individual funeral services of the deceased learners on Saturday, 17 February 2024, at the following venues:
1. Name of learner: Relebohile Nteo (14) Venue: Indoor Sports Center, Thabong
2. Name of Learner: Oagile Gailele (13) Venue: World Ministries Church Virginia
3.Name of Learner: Lerato Keketsi (13) Venue: Hani Park Primary School Hall, Welkom
4.Name of learner: Tlotlisang Mokotjo (13) Venue: Kutlwanong Secondary School Hall, Odendaalsrus
5. Name of Learner: Blessing Makansela (13) Venue: Living Water Ministries, Thabong
6. Name of Learner: Katleho Semelo (13) Venue: Lemotso Primary School, Thabong
MEC Mohale has expressed his appreciation to the members of the public, parents, municipalities, government officials and the business community for the unwavering support bestowed to the bereaved families, fellow learners and teachers of Riebeeckstad High School.
He further conveyed his deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed learners and wished those still in the hospital a speedy recovery. “There are no words to express how terrible this is. You are in our prayers,” said MEC Makalo.