Durban — A multi-disciplinary team made up mainly of provincial government departments and other government entities will descend on Pongola on Monday, September 18, 2022, as part of the interventions following the crash that claimed 21 lives on Friday.
Provincial government spokesperson Lennox Mabaso said the government was sending a high-level delegation led by the KwaZulu-Natal acting premier Nomagugu Simelane to meet the bereaved families.
Mabaso said the delegation would include Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Sipho Hlomuka, acting Education MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi and Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza.
The delegation will be joined by senior managers of government entities, which will lead efforts to assist the affected families.
The multi-disciplinary team of government will comprise the National Department of Transport, provincial government, Road Accident Fund, Road Traffic Management Corporation, SAPS and Road Traffic Inspectorate.
The delegation will also attend the court proceedings in Pongola Magistrate’s Court where the truck driver will be appearing after he handed himself over to the police.
Also on their itinerary is a visit to the four schools affected by the crash, as part of providing assistance to the pupils, teachers and school governing body members, who are still experiencing shock and trauma.
Mabaso said the delegation would be briefed by the enforcement agencies on the investigation, visit schools and engage with affected families.
Simelane said it was the nature of a caring government to be with the people during difficulties.
“As part of the interventions, we are bringing with us all government agencies to assist with forensic investigation and to assist with social relief. The Department of Social Development working with the Department of Education will also attend to social services to assist learners and teachers in the affected schools. We will also engage the community of Pongola to find long-lasting solutions to end such tragic incidents,” Simelane said.
On Saturday, it was reported that the driver of the truck handed himself over to the police, hence his court appearance on Monday.
Daily News