Food hampers for bus crash victims

Families of the 10 Thohoyandou bus accident victims who are still mourning the loss of their loved ones, received some relief and comfort when the Thulamela branch of the South African Council of Churches visited them.

The 10 died when a bus from the Malamulele area crashed head-on with a fully laden taxi from Thohoyandou. The taxi was en route to villages such Basani, Muraga, Xhikundu, and Tshikonelo.

The church delegation was led by the SACC chairperson, Reverend Mohale Makhene, and he was accompanied by members of his executive, Reverends Jabulani Monegi,  Lemsie Mapaile, Ernest Mamogwa and Prince Ramahala. They also handed over groceries to the families as well as school shoes for the children of the victims.

When visiting the Mamushiana family from Tshamavhudzi, Reverend Makhene said the organisation had been touched by the accident. The Mamushiana family lost a daughter, Portia, who left behind two children.

“We are an organisation that responds to situations whenever they arise. We are always near the people, especially those in bereavement. We pray for them, counsel them and even refer them to experts who can offer professional help. We have picked up on some challenges the family and especially the children of the deceased are facing. We would have loved to address them, but our coffers are dry and we will go out and knock on different doors and see what we can do to help them,” he said.

The dead woman’s mother, Ms Mthavini Mamushiana, said the visitors were just like an answer to their prayers.

“We are thankful that you visited us. Since my daughter died in that horrific accident, we have been struggling to raise her two children from grants, which are not even enough for this family of seven. What you have brought here will sustain us for a while and the prayers you offered will keep us strong,” she said.

News - Date: 11 April 2014

Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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