Tears flowed freely in Sebokeng as family, friends and community members gathered to bid farewell to three of the young victims of the tragic scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark.
Thato Moetjie (17), Ofentse Vinger (6) and Bakomoso Makhobo (13) were laid to rest during a heartbreaking funeral service held at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground. The three were among the 14 children who lost their lives when their scholar transport collided with a truck on Monday.
Grieving families said the pain of losing their loved ones is unbearable and that the memories of their children will live on forever.
Speaking on behalf of Ofentse Vinger’s mother, Mamotso Nobela, a family representative said the six-year-old’s death has left a deep wound that may never heal.
“She says she still can’t believe her child is gone. She is not okay and says she will never be okay. She is angry at God,” she shared.
In an emotional tribute, Nobela’s words were read out to mourners.
“Oh my child, I feel like I am dreaming, hoping someone will wake me up and tell me this was just a prank. You were so young. I only had you for six years,” she said.
“On your first day of school, I waited until midnight to pray that God would walk with you on your education journey. Little did I know you would only go to school for three days. I don’t understand why. I will ask God for the rest of my life.”
Bakomoso Makhobo’s friends, dressed in their school uniforms, paid moving tributes to their beloved classmate.
Her cousin, Lesedi Makhobo, described Bakomoso as a confident girl who was never afraid to speak her mind.
“Every room she walked into, she filled it with laughter and joy. Even though you are no more, you will never be forgotten — especially for those dance moves,” she said.
Best friend Katlego Oliphant stood before the mourners with a heavy heart.
“I stand here today broken. You were more than just a friend to me. Rest in peace where you are sleeping. I will never stop loving you,” she said.
Meanwhile, Thato Moetjie’s father, Elias Mcira, thanked the community for their support during what he described as the most difficult week of their lives.
“I want to thank everyone who supported us from day one. What you did for us is big,” he said.
Some will be laid to rest in Vanderbijlpark while another in Vereeniging.
