Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sorrow following the tragic loss of 16 lives in a bus accident on the R21 highway, near OR Tambo International Airport earlier today.
Initial reports from the site of the bus crash on the morning of Tuesday, March 11, 2025, stated that 12 individuals had lost their lives; however, the death toll has now increased to 16.
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“President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the confirmed deaths of 16 individuals in a bus accident on the R21 near OR Tambo International Airport earlier today, Tuesday, March 11, 2025,” the Presidency conveyed in a statement.
“The President extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a swift and full recovery to those affected by the tragedy.
“President Ramaphosa also expresses his sympathy for the families of at least nine bus passengers who tragically lost their lives in an incident in KwaZulu-Natal this past weekend, where 39 others were injured.”
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In light of the recent road tragedies, President Ramaphosa stated: “While the causes of these heartbreaking incidents are still under investigation, we are reminded that such calamities not only cause physical wounds but also create emotional trauma that can alter family dynamics and impact the lives of survivors.”
President Ramaphosa highlighted that incidents of this nature significantly affect people’s livelihoods.
“They impact our healthcare services and emergency response; they raise insurance costs and result in expensive vehicle repairs, as well as affect businesses that lose employees in such incidents,” the President noted.
“As we mourn the lives lost, we must also reflect on the responsibility and actions of all who operate vehicles, whether large or small, in our country.
“When we question the safety of our roads, we should consider how safe we are as drivers and pedestrians. Human error, rather than enforcement or road conditions, is the main contributor to accidents.
“Drivers must ensure their vehicles are maintained and comply with traffic regulations, which are established for our safety.
“When drivers ignore these rules, they jeopardize their own lives and risk serious injury. Should they survive, they may face legal repercussions in our courts and correctional facilities.”
