09 Jul 2026

Eleven years after the tragic Matsha College road accident that claimed the lives of nine earners, many survivors continue to live with the physical and emotional scars of the disaster.

The accident occurred on November 13, 2015, along the Morwamosu–Letlhakeng Road near Dutlwe in the then Letlhakeng Sub-district. A government truck carrying about 126 learners who had just completed their Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education examinations at Matsha College in Kang overturned, killing nine and injuring many others.

For many survivors, memories of that day remain fragmented. Some recall nothing beyond waking up in a hospital bed, while others remember only the pain, confusion, and cries that filled the accident scene.

A survivor from Dutlwe, Mr Kitso Mochanang, now 30, said he vividly remembers the excitement among learners as they headed home after completing their examinations.

“There was a lot of noise in the truck because everyone was celebrating and sharing how the examinations had gone. Almost everyone was standing throughout the journey,” he said.

He said the learners were laughing, shouting, and chatting until they suddenly heard a loud bang.

“I do not know what happened after that. The next thing I remember was waking up in a hospital bed,” he said.

Mr Mochanang said at first he was unable to remember what had happened.

He had sustained serious head injuries, broken arms, severe chest pain, and fractured collarbones that took time to heal.

He said the accident permanently changed the course of his life.

After requesting to be transferred from Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone to Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Molepolole so he could be closer to his family, Mr Mochanang spent nearly a month recovering in hospital.

“I carry permanent scars from the accident that have changed the course of my life. I can no longer do physically demanding jobs such as cutting trees because my upper body gets tired easily, and I continue to experience pain, especially around my shoulders,” he said.

Mr Mochanang said the injuries also affected his academic performance, as he did not perform well in his BGCSE examinations. He added that his physical condition has since made it difficult to earn a living through manual labour.

Despite the hardships, he expressed gratitude to the government for the support provided throughout their recovery.

“The government took good care of us during our recovery,” he said.

He also acknowledged the assistance of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, saying its continued support had been invaluable to survivors and their families.

Another survivor, Mr Keobiditse Ditlale, also 30 and a resident of Dutlwe, said his first memory after the crash was waking up in the middle of the tarred road, unable to feel his body.

Mr Ditlale said he struggled to crawl to a shaded area as the scorching sun beat down on him. He said members of the public came to his rescue and helped him to the shade of a nearby tree.

He recalled seeing fellow learners scattered across the accident scene, many crying in pain while others had sustained severe injuries.

“I then looked at myself and realised I had injuries to my hands and the side of my head, while my back had been badly scraped, possibly by the tarred road,” he said.

Mr Ditlale said he remembered many people stopping to assist, including members of the Botswana Defence Force who happened to be travelling along the same road.

He said the survivors were transported to different hospitals for treatment, with those who had sustained minor injuries being discharged after receiving medical attention.

“It was a sad day for us as we watched our fellow students, especially those who were seriously injured, endure unbearable pain while others lost their lives on that fateful day,” he said.

Mr Ditlale said the survivors struggled to come to terms with the tragedy, but the government provided them with much-needed support during the difficult period.

He said they spent nearly six months at Molepolole College of Education, where they received counselling and participated in various recreational activities designed to help them cope with the trauma and grief of losing their friends.

“The accident changed our lives. It left many of us traumatised and afraid of travelling in open vehicles. Although the fear has not completely disappeared, we have gradually found the strength to face it,” he said.

Mr Ditlale said the survivors later created a Facebook group to stay connected, support one another, and maintain the friendships they formed at Matsha College.

“Most of us are now adults with families and careers, and we rarely meet in person. The group helps us keep in touch and reminds us of the bond we share,” he said.

“We still have a long journey ahead of us, but we continue to move forward because we have lives to live and families to care for,” he said. ENDS