President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences to the Republic of Botswana and to the family and friends of the 45 bus crash victims that died in Limpopo yesterday afternoon.
An 8 year old girl is the only survivor. She is receiving medical care.
The bus, which was transporting Easter pilgrims from Botswana to St Engenas ZCC church in Moria, was travelling on the R518 road near Mokopane when it crashed.
The bus reportedly plunged 50 meters into a ravine before busting into flames. According to reports, the driver lost control of the bus before it left the roadway and plunged down a bridge.
The process to confirm the identities and citizenship of the victims has commenced, with only a handful of confirmed identities thus far.
Transport and forensic authorities were still on the scene on Friday recovering the remains of the crash victims, some burned beyond recognition, while other victims are still trapped inside the debris.
President Ramaphosa extended his sympathies in a call to President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and pledged the ”continued support of the South African government during this time of need for the people of Botswana.”
The Presidency says President Masisi expressed his gratitude for the assistance that the government of Botswana has received from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), as well as from the provincial and local government structures.
The Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, says the government will amongst others provide assistance to repatriate the remains of the bus crash victims.
