22 Jul 2026

Bereaved families of the tragic 2024 Mmamatlakala Bridge bus accident are yet to receive compensation from South Africa’s Road Accident Fund (RAF).

This was said by Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Dr Oupa Tsheko in Molepolole on July 18 during the unveiling of tombstones to honour the 45 people who perished in the disaster.

Providing an overview of the National Healing, Remembrance and Closure programme, Dr Tsheko revealed that while working on the tombstones, his office engaged the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, as there was concern that the bereaved families were yet to be compensated through the RAF. He said through the office of the MVA CEO, his office was able to engage with the RAF.

“I am happy to indicate that RAF through its communications with MVA Fund, there was confirmation that they will be able to help us. Our hope was that before the unveiling RAF could have engaged with the parents to give them an update on the compensation. MVA Fund was welcomed our plea wholeheartedly and are working hard to assist the bereaved families through my office,” Dr Tsheko said.

He appealed to the South African government and the St Engenas Zion Christian Church to assist his office with the relevant authority to engage in order to accordingly access the RAF compensation.

“There is concern because there are some cases where such compensation is misappropriated by family legal representation, therefore the church as a well-established institution is in a position to engage its attorneys to assist the bereaved families,” he added.

He indicated that the National Healing, Remembrance and Closure programme, spearheaded by the First Lady Kaone Boko was aligned with the objectives of President Advocate Duma Boko-led government, which was focused on giving dignity as a human rights-centric government.

Therefore, he said the programme was appealing for dignified service and rendering support where it was required.

He explained that the programme came into being as the First Lady was concerned about the whereabouts of the sole survivor of the Mmamatlakala bridge bus accident, the welfare of the deceased families, as well as the survivors of the truck accident that was ferrying learners from Matsha College.

Dr Tsheko said Ms Boko was also guided by God to initiate such a programme meant to provide healing and the necessary support for the survivors of the Matsha College accident and the bereaved families.

He said the South African government, through the premier of Limpopo, had done what was necessary in assisting the families by doing their all for the remains of the deceased to be repatriated home for dignified burial.

He added that the process of installing tombstones was done through the philanthropic gesture of some state-owned enterprises, adding that Bothakga Burrow was the only private company that had heeded the First Lady’s call.

Meanwhile, deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation in South Africa, Ms Thandi Moraka, said the South African government stood in solidarity with the bereaved families.

Ms Moraka also said the historic day, July 18, which coincided with the unveiling of the tombstone as part of the National Healing, Remembrance and Closure programme, had a significant weight in the history of South Africa as it was set to observe Mandela Day, where people are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to serve and also honour issues of human rights and social justice.

“The trajectory was not only a road accident, it was human calamity cutting across families, communities, churches and the two sister countries,” Ms Moraka said.

She stated that her government was involved through its provincial government of Limpopo, led by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, adding that it was important to ensure that the families found closure and recover from the tragic accident.

“We remember the victims with dignity and compassion. We also remember the courage of our medical teams, forensic experts and emergency service officials who worked under painful conditions to recover the deceased and also assist the injured and most importantly helping with the repatriation of the mortal remains,” she said.

She added that the relationship between South Africa and Botswana continued to remain one of the strongest relationships in the SADC region.

“When Botswana grieves, South Africa as well grieves. When Botswana feels pain, the people of South Africa also feel that pain,” she said.

She assured the Chief of Staff that the South African government was operating on an open door policy and would appreciate rendering support where it was necessary to bring closure to the pending issues of compensation from the RAF.

She acknowledged the RAF availability, however expressed concern that funds were always getting abused by the legal representatives processing claims on behalf of the victims. Therefore, she assured that they would remain in solidarity with the office of the Chief of Staff to make sure that the right beneficiaries of the compensation funds got what was due to them. ENDS