THOHOYANDOU – A sixteen-year-old boy became an instant hero, after he managed to control a speeding bus which was left alone by the driver, who had jumped out in order to save his life.

Munenyiwa Raedani (16), who is in Grade 10 at the Shononi Secondary School in Lwamondo, said he was not aware that his quick response to the situation could save the day. The drama started when the bus driver, Albert Mabilu (37), failed to control the bus which was transporting more than 100 youths, who were coming from Mutale, where they had participated in the Phalaphala/Shoprite-sponsored Tshikona dance competition.

Mabilu told Mirror from the Tshilidzini Hospital, where he was being treated for minor injuries, that the brakes of the bus started failing immediately when he approached a turn-off to Unit D. "From there, I tried to control the speeding bus until when I got closer to the gates of the Guest House, the former home of the then Venda president.

"I then decided to steer the bus to the left side of the road. I thought it was better to do that, instead of proceeding to Tusk Venda, where I could have run into many people. As the bus was heading straight towards a tree, I decided to save my life by jumping over the over the heads of the crowded kids who were sitting next to the passenger door. Unfortunately, I fell on my neck, but I was not badly injured," said Mabilu, who also added that the bus had not experienced any mechanical problem until the time of incident.

Mabilu said he started working as a bus driver five months ago. The boy, Munenyiwa, said he and others were looking outside the window, enjoying the trip, when they heard a big bang before the bus pushed them to the back of their seats. Munenyiwa then ran straight to the driver's seat, and kicked the steering wheel, which made the bus change direction. Fortunately, the badly damaged bus then managed to stop.

Although some of the youths, like Tshimangadzo Mulelu, had already jumped through the window, the majority of them managed to get out safely. Only eighteen of the youths who were in the bus were treated for minor injuries at Tshilidzini, including Munenyiwa, who was injured on his hand.

Eckson Mphephu, also a teacher in the area, said it was still a miracle that Munenyiwa's childish act saved the lives of so many children who were inside the bus.