Zim GBC News | South African Correspondent
JOHANNESBURG – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his profound condolences to Zimbabwe and Malawi following a horrific bus crash that killed at least 42 people on Sunday, many of whom were believed to be citizens of the two neighbouring nations.
The bus was on a long-distance journey from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to Harare, with its final destination in Malawi, when it veered off the N1 highway near Makhado in Limpopo and plunged down an embankment.
In an official statement on Monday, President Ramaphosa described the incident as a shared regional tragedy.
“This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike,” Ramaphosa said.
“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.”
The South African leader extended his sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He also used the moment to highlight the importance of road safety across the Southern African region.
“Our roads are also economic networks that bring the people of our region together across our national borders,” he stated.
“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.”
As the statements of condolence were issued, forensic investigation teams were on the scene Monday working to determine the cause of the fatal accident. The key N1 highway near Ingwe Lodge was closed for several hours as emergency services worked to clear the wreckage.
The disaster has cast a pall over the region, underscoring the dangers of cross-border road travel and the interconnected grief of Southern African nations.
Follow us on social media:
·X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
·Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
·TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
·Facebook: Zim GBC News
·YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For in-depth coverage, visit our website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2025