22 Jul 2026

The ongoing National Month of Healing, Remembrance and Closure brought emotional solace to Thamaga on July 16 during the tombstone unveiling of Ogaufi Noonyane, the driver of the ill-fated bus that plunged off the Mmamatlakala Bridge in South Africa last year.

The poignant ceremony was part of a nationwide initiative spearheaded by First Lady Kaone Boko, who declared July a month dedicated to helping families find closure after devastating road tragedies.

The initiative culminated in a main national remembrance event held at the Molepolole Stadium on July 18, where the First Lady officiated.

Noonyane was 28-years-old in March 2024 when the bus he was driving, carrying Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pilgrims to their headquarters in Moria, veered off the bridge, claiming 45 lives in a tragedy that shook both Botswana and South Africa.

Speaking at the unveiling, family representative, Mr Shima Mmannona, thanked governments of Botswana and South Africa for their seamless collaboration in repatriating the victims’ remains after the crash.

“Even though the tombstone unveiling may seem like putting salt on a healing wound, it shows the deep care and support given to the affected families. We lost a young man whom we looked up to for a bright future, but we are comforted when our leadership stands with us,” Mr Mmannona said.

Noonyane’s aunt, Nonofo Mmolawa, remembered her nephew as a staunch member of the Eloyi Christian Church and the epitome of love, whose saintly smile endeared him to everyone. She revealed that Noonyane left behind a young child, who was just six months old at the time of the crash and was now two years and four months old.

Thamaga/Mogoditshane district commissioner, Ms Bernice Berman-Mosime, emphasised that the First Lady’s healing initiative was designed to offer sustained and practical support. Beyond the monuments, Ms Berman-Mosime said the programme included a structured six-month counselling programme for the bereaved.

She noted that the remembrance project previously honoured the victims of the Matsha College tragedy and was extended to the Mmamatlakala victims.

For families who have already erected private tombstones, a collective monument was unveiled last Saturday in Molepolole.

She added that government remained concerned by the rising tide of road accidents stealing promising young lives.

In response, authorities are rolling out stricter safety measures and actively engaging stakeholders, particularly those managing cross-border travel to neighbouring countries.

Kgosi Bone Gobuamang of Thamaga, who is also a member of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, commended the community and the First Lady for their unwavering support.

“Healing is a process, but surely the families will find comfort from the care they get from the community and government. This initiative may bring back painful memories, but it is entirely worth it as the families finally find their path to closure,” Kgosi Gobuamang said. ENDS