02 Dec 2015

The Kweneng District disaster preparedness management committee through its psycho-social support team on Monday November 30 conducted a therapeutic trip to Dutlwe for families of the deceased Matsha accident victims.

Explaining the objectives of the trip, senior guidance and counselling teacher from Bobirwa junior school in Bobonong, Mr Benjamin Mbanga said the process, termed vivo therapy, is whereby a person is assisted to find closure through exposure to the cause of the tragedy as well as the way it occurred. 

He said lack of such exposure can sometimes lead to either an affected person taking too long to find closure, or failing to find it altogether. 

“Failure to provide such type of counselling can lead to affected members recalling the tragedy whenever they see anything associated with it, such as a truck in this case,” he said.

The area MP, Mr Ngaka Ngaka also reiterated Mr Mbanga's words that counselling is vital in finding closure when someone has experienced such a tragedy hence government's effort in pulling all the necessary resources and support to the affected families.

He also applauded parents for opening their hearts to the counselling saying such a move is vital. 

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Motshegetsi Puleng of Dutlwe, the village closest to the scene of accident said even though the occurrence is a painful patch in the heart of the nation, specially that young lives were lost, it should be treated as just an accident adding that failure to do so will result in the families finding it hard to accept the reality.

He thanked all those who provided the necessary support, especially at the peak of the crisis.

For his part, a parent from one of the affected families, Mr Jobe Kgotlhang appreciated the exercise saying seeing the scene of the accident and explanation on how it occurred will help heal their bleeding wounds.

“Seeing is better than just hearing from people and we have been getting conflicting stories as some said the accident happened between Takatokwane and Dutlwe. So now today we got the real story of the incident.

Mr Jobe and other parents also urged government to erect a monument in remembrance of the victims. Ends