The Congress of South African Trade Unions in Limpopo Province is disturbed by the bus accident that happened on the N1 freeway in Makhado, claiming twenty lives. We empathize with the families of the deceased and pass our profound heartfelt condolences on the loss of their loved ones. It is devastating that most of the deceased were workers returning from work, which could have been avoided had we had safe reliable transport. COSATU wishes the injured, who are admitted to various hospitals, a speedy recovery. 

The Federation has repeatedly made a call for the improvement of road conditions through an accelerated Public Works Programme, which would also create much needed jobs for the people of Limpopo and create the much elusive road safety conditions required in the province. The N1 road between Kranskop and Beit Bridge, in which this accident happened, is another testament of failure by the government to adequately provide the services needed by the working class and the people in general, as well as the nation. This road is a regular contributor to the horrors that South Africans witness on their roads.

The departments responsible for public safety have evidently not done their best to ensure that citizens are safe, as this accident has proven. We say this because we have had many accidents involving bus companies in the province, some of which are subsidized by the Provincial Department of Transport and Community Safety to ferry passengers.  We call upon the Department of Transport and Community Safety to do everything possible to ensure that not a single citizen loses their lives again on our roads.

We will encourage and support our members in Law Enforcement to leave no stone unturned to ensure that citizens are safe.

Issued by COSATU Limpopo

Hangwani Mashao (Provincial Secretary)

Mark Shope House

79A Biccard Street

Polokwane

0700 Mobile: 0762056704