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The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has quickly stepped in to ease the pain of families and relatives of the 18 children and two adults who died following the tragic accident last Friday. Assistance is also being provided to the injured survivors after a scholar transport minibus collided head on with a truck on the R25 between Verena and Bronkhorstspruit.

A team of RAF personnel was immediately dispatched when news of the accident first broke, and contact has been made with police, stakeholders and relevant hospitals to begin processing the necessary medical support, compensation, and funeral benefit for those who qualify.

RAF Pretoria Regional General Manager, Dineo Thabede, said: “Our heartfelt condolences to the parents, families, schools friends and colleagues of those who perished. Our Pretoria teams will today begin engaging with the families together with other relevant stakeholders, extending our condolences and advising them of our services as the consoling arm of government.”

The RAF is deeply concerned about the carnage on South Africa’s roads, particularly when it involves young people. The decision to act or not to act within the rules of the road has a chain reaction which has a bearing on people’s lives, their families, dependents, and the economy.
“We cannot afford to lose young people on such a large scale and appeal to all motorists to be extra vigilant so we can ensure that we safeguard their lives,’ said Thabede.

“We will continue educating and reminding all road users to think carefully about the decisions they take. Whether it is overtaking on a solid line, driving nonstop, insisting that a driver slow down rather than tempting fate as he/she speeds along, or deciding to take the wheel after having one glass too many rather than hailing a cab, these decisions can prove either fatal or be life saviours.”

Any relatives and family members of the deceased or injured who may have further enquiries can call the RAF’s Call Centre on 0860 23 55 23 between Monday to Friday, from 07h45 to 16h00. Callers can leave a message after hours and the Call Centre will return their calls first thing on Monday morning.

Issued  by Road Accident Fund