Mbombela (Nelspruit) – The Department of Education in Mpumalanga is in mourning after two teachers lost their lives in a car crash Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement, the Mpumalanga Department of Education said it has, “learnt with shock and sadness about an accident which claimed the lives of two teachers along the N4 road towards Mbombela”.
When tragedy struck, the teachers were returning home from a Mathematics, Science, and Technology Academy training session at Emalahleni.
Three other teachers sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela.
The deceased teachers, who have not yet been named, were employed at Masitakhe and Tikhontele Secondary Schools in Ehlanzeni District.
Mpumalanga education spokesperson Jasper Zwane said the names of the deceased would be released once their next of kin were informed of the tragedy.
Mpumalanga Education MEC Bonakele Majuba said he was saddened by the “shocking accident” and has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
“It is really painful to fathom the news of the passing away of our young teachers who were on a patriotic journey to empower themselves with knowledge so that in turn they could impart it to our children,” said Majuba.
“Teachers remain a valuable resource for the growth and development of our communities and if one of them departs from this world it becomes a heavy blow to the Department and the rest of our communities.
“In this case two of them passed away and it is too much to bear for the Department and the Province.
“We thus lower the provincial flag as we mourn in our hearts. We convey our condolences and at the same time wish those who are injured a speedy recovery.”
MEC Majuba said he will visit the schools and the bereaved families today, Thursday, (29 February 2024).
The MEC will be accompanied by the officials from the Department including those who will render the Psychosocial support to staff and learners.
