Candlelight ceremony and support efforts continue in the Vaal area in the wake of a fatal scholar transportation collision. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
PRETORIA — Leaders of faith-based groups, trade unions and disaster relief organisations have urged South Africans to unite in prayer and support for the families grieving after the Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash, which claimed the lives of learners earlier this week. The call was led on Thursday by the South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternal and Federations (SACOFF), as communities across the Vaal region continue to mourn the devastating collision.
In a statement, SACOFF President Pastor Bert Pretorius said the federation of churches is encouraging congregations nationwide to pray not only for comfort and strength for the families of the 14 learners who died, but also for “justice, accountability, and safer communities” in response to the tragedy. He praised efforts by relief partners such as the Mahlasedi Foundation, which has been providing counselling, prayer and practical assistance — including food parcels and emotional support — since the accident.
Pretorius noted that representatives from government — including Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi — have visited affected families in their homes, demonstrating official engagement with the grieving community. The minister and premier have been visible in recent days as support efforts have intensified.
Across the Vaal and in nearby centres, trade unions and civic organisations have also joined the vigils and prayers. Members of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) and the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) took part in a candlelight ceremony near the crash site, lighting candles and holding moments of silence in honour of the young victims. Participants called not just for spiritual solidarity, but for accountability and improved safety for scholar transport services.
Community voices at these gatherings echoed a broader desire for systemic change, with union representatives and families alike urging authorities to tighten oversight of scholar transport operations and enforce road safety regulations more rigorously. Although the driver involved in the crash, 22-year-old Ayanda “Biggie” Dludla, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court this week facing 12 counts of murder charges — now upgraded to 14 counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder alongside driving and vehicle licensing offences — the case has been postponed until February 5, 2026.
Organisers of the prayers and support initiatives say their efforts will continue, emphasising that both spiritual solidarity and practical assistance are vital as families plan memorials and funerals for their lost children, and as communities seek ways to heal together.
