Santaco mourns Mthatha taxi flood deaths
The South African National Taxi Council has expressed sadness over a tragic incident where a minibus taxi, transporting school pupils, was swept away by floodwaters on Tuesday in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
Santaco spokesperson Rebecca Phala confirmed that the bus belonged to one of their members.
A winter storm that brought snow and heavy rain led to raging floods affecting 58 schools across the province, as confirmed by Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade.
The flood claimed the lives of 49 people, while some residents remain displaced.
Officials confirmed that ten pupils were among the deceased after the scholar transport they were travelling in was swept away by the raging floodwaters.
“Santaco national representatives will today join the Eastern Cape leadership to visit the scene of the tragedy to offer support to the search and recovery teams working tirelessly to locate the missing learners.
“This visit is also intended to show solidarity with the affected community and to assess how best to assist during this difficult time.”
Phala says the council stands in mourning with the families of the pupils who have lost their lives.
Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has urged parents and guardians not to allow their children to attend school during these severe weather conditions as they threaten their safety.
“We call upon the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, to provide the necessary trauma counselling and psychosocial support to the affected school community,” said SADTU spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi.
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