Pretoria, 31ST May 2000
Communications Minister Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri has expressed regret at the death on Tuesday of 17 telecommunications workers in a tragic road accident in the Western Cape. Four people were injured in the tragedy on the Vanrhyn's Pass between Nieuwoudtville and Vanrhynsdorp.
The workers were employed by Sindawonye Granulators and Processors (Pty) Limited - subcontracted to Telkom to retrieve redundant copper cable in the Van Rhynsdorp area.
Said the Minister: "I wish to offer my heartfelt sympathy to the families, children and relatives of the diseased. It was with sorrow and anguish that I learnt of the deaths in a horror accident on the Vanrhyn's Pass between Nieuwoudtville and Vanrhynsdorp. I wish those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery."
The Minister has commended Telkom for making available a donation of R10 000 to assist in starting up a special fund for the Sindawonye workers affected by the accident.
ISSUED: BRIAN SOKUTU
MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON