The Minister Nathi Mthethwa and his Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu remain shocked and are battling to come to terms with the news of the passing of three netball players and an official from the OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape who were on route to the Western Cape to participate in the annual Spar National Netball Championship.

According to the report from the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the horrific accident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning in Aberdeen Sarah Baartman District Municipality in which a bus carrying 34 occupants, including a driver and his assistant, overturned and claimed the lives of 4 of its occupants whilst injuring 25 others. The names of the deceased are yet to be announced once their next of kin have been informed.

Upon hearing of the sad and tragic news, Deputy Minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nocawe Mafu, had this to say, “It is indeed tragic that we had to lose our future champions in this fashion. My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased, I also take this opportunity to wish all those injured a speedy recovery”.

Minister Nathi Mthethwa had this to say upon hearing the news, “My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, this tragic death of these athletes is indeed a serious blow to the nation and to netball, as a fast-growing sport. These athletes were destined to participate in one of the tournaments that were meant to select future stars ahead of the 2023 Netball World Cup scheduled to take place in Cape Town. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this difficult period”.

As part of granting support to the families of the deceased and those injured, the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has assigned the Deputy Minister to work closely with MEC Fezeka Nkomonye (Provincial Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture) in engaging with the families whilst granting them the necessary assistance and support during this painful period.

The Deputy Minister is therefore destined to travel to the Eastern Cape this Wednesday (8th December 2021) to accompany MEC Fezeka Nkomonye to meet with families of the deceased including those injured.

Details of the Deputy Minister travel will be made available by the Provincial Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture spokesperson who can be consulted by the media for more information.    

Media Enquiries:

Masechaba Khumalo: Spokesperson (Minister), Cell: 082 858 4415, Email: MasechabaK@dsac.gov.za

Ms Busisiwe Jemsana-Mantashe (Spokesperson to the MEC), Cell: 071 688 4204

Email: Busisiwe.Mantashe@ecsrac.gov.za       

Mickey Modisane: Chief Director, Cell: 0989920101, Email: mickeym@dsac.gov.za