Public memorial service for horror crash victims
Basic education minister Angie Motshekga says parents must take responsibility for their children's safety.
Motshekga was speaking as a public memorial service was held for the victims of the Bronkhorstspruit crash that claimed the lives of 20 people - including 18 children.
Mass funerals will be taking place at the weekend.
Hundreds of community members came to support the families of the victims, with emotional scenes playing out in the marquee erected for the memorial service.
#VerenaMemorial Emotional scenes at the memorial service for the victims of the #VerenaCrash @Slindelo_M pic.twitter.com/8FYPseoZOK
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 4, 2017
WATCH #VerenaMemorial high school choir where some of the victims went to school takes the floor @Slindelo_M pic.twitter.com/YU7pnrdaSx
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 4, 2017
#VerenaMemorial pictures of some of the school children who passed on. One family lost 3 children in the #VerenaCrash SM pic.twitter.com/RVozFcuhBQ
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 4, 2017
Minister Motshekga described the crash as one of the saddest tragedies to befall the education sector.
She says while the children may be gone, they will never be forgotten.
"Time really heals. We've been through that. We've lost a child. The pain never goes away, but it slowly becomes bearable," says Motshekga.
Motshekga urged parents to be more cautious when choosing transport for their children.
"They have the right and the responsibility to make sure that the transport that is carrying their kids is safe, not overloaded and well serviced, because they are clients," says Motshekga.