The Manwadu family of Muledane started the new year on a low note, when they buried four of their family members who had died in a car accident just before Christmas.

The emotionally charged funeral was attended by many community members, friends and relatives and government officials. The four were buried at Muledane cemetery.

Speaking at the funeral, Thulamela Municipality Mayor Grace Mahosi urged the community of Muledane outside Thohoyandou to rally behind the family for them to be able to cope with their loss. Mahosi said losing one member was bad, but losing four at a go was something difficult to fathom. “We know these are difficult times for the family and the loss should not be viewed as a loss to the family alone, but to the whole of Thulamela. While the family has accepted the tragedy, we are here to  lend them support in their time of grief and we urge all to support them by visiting the family all the time,” she said.

She added that she was satisfied that pastors were able to help the family come to terms with the tragedy. “As the government we have officials like councillors on the ground who will always be there for the family and  to help the family get by.”

Mahosi said she was worried about road fatalities that are happening on our roads. "This is one of those situations we cannot reverse, but there are some lessons that we can draw from this experience that would help us to take our lives forward," she said.

The spokesperson of the family, Dr Livhuwani Manwadu, said the incident had shaken the family. "As a family we are heartbroken, but we are just grateful that pastors and other Christians helped us come to terms with the ordeal."

The accident happened at Modimolle on the Thursday before Christmas Eve while the family members were on their way from Gauteng.

Amongst the mourners were Deputy Speaker of the Limpopo legislature, Miriam Ramadwa, and former MEC for Safety and Security in Limpopo Mr Samson Ndou.

Those buried were Godfrey Manwadu (36), Constance Manwadu (27), Khuthadzo Manwadu (17) and Phathutshedzo Manwadu (12).