Minister Fikile Mbalula on the tragic bus accident which occured in the Eastern Cape

2 March 2020

The Minister of Transport, Mr Fikile Mbalula has learned with shock and sadness of a major crash on the gravel road in Willowvale at Qolweni location in the Eastern Cape. The bus was travelling from Chebe, en route to Butterworth.

Reports indicate that the driver lost control of the bus, which subsequently rolled down a steep embankment, leaving 25 dead and approximately 62 injured. The root cause of the accident is unknown at this stage.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation will conduct an investigation and will work closely with the Police as they conduct their own investigation.

“To lose so many lives in a single accident is devastating and shocking. I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the community of Centane. We are committed to expediting the RTMC investigation and ensure that it is concluded speedily. We remain committed to strengthening our measures aimed at ensuring safety of our people on the roads. This includes regular reviews of procedures to ensure vehicle fitness, ensuring that drivers are fit to drive public transport vehicles. We will also continue to ensure that the conditions of our roads, including gravel roads are maintained in a manner that ensures they are safe to drive on.” Minister Mbalula said.

Minister Mbalula will on the course of this week visit the families in Centane in Eastern Cape.

Issued by Ayanda Allie Paine on behalf of Minister Fikile Mbalula, 2 March 2020