Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi, who have lost compatriots in a bus crash which took place near Makhado, Limpopo.
At least 42 travellers died in the incident on the N1 on Sunday, 12 October 2025, while they were en route to their home countries from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
“President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, while he wishes the dozens of injured persons a full and speedy recovery,” said Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President
Commenting directly on the horror bus crash, President Ramaphosa said: “This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike.
“This sadness is compounded by the fact that this incident has taken place during our annual Transport Month, where we place a special focus on the importance of safety on our roads.
“Our roads are also economic networks that bring the people of our region together across our national borders.
“We must do everything we can as road users, as transport operators, drivers and passengers to ensure that we stay safe and that we share our roads responsibly and with care for one another.”
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mr. Mkhuleko Hlengwa have released a statement saying they were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 42 lives and 49 injured passengers in a devastating road accident.
They have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the passengers who were injured.
Reports from the scene said there were 42 fatalities, consisting of seven children, 17 adult males, and 18 adult females.
The Democratic Alliance has also expressed its condolences.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of the deceased during this very difficult time, and we hope that the injured make a complete recovery.”
The DA called for a comprehensive investigation of accidents on the mountain passes in Limpopo.
The N1 remains closed in both directions; motorists travelling between Musina and Louis Trichardt are advised to use the Witvlag and Williespoort roads.
