Mr Lee
news@alexreporter.co.za
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has delivered a moving eulogy at the mass funeral service of 12 people who died in a horrific road accident near Ga-Sekgopo last week.
The service, held at the Roman Tigers Sports Ground in Tiyani Village on Saturday, was attended by grieving families, traditional leaders, clergy, government officials and hundreds of community members.
In her address, Premier Ramathuba described the tragedy as a heavy cloud of grief over the province. “Limpopo weeps today — our faces reflect sadness, our hearts ache, and our spirits stand with the families whose pain defies description,” she said.
Drawing from the biblical story of Job, the Premier spoke of the importance of solidarity during moments of great loss. “Like Job’s friends who sat silently with him, today we too sit with you — in silence, in solidarity, in shared mourning.”
Ramathuba paid tribute to the victims, acknowledging the mothers, fathers, and young people whose lives were cut short. “Their absence is not just in your homes — it is felt in every corner of our province. Their dreams and aspirations, cut short, are a reminder of life’s fragility and of our duty to one another,” she said.
She emphasised that the tragedy was not only a family loss but a communal one, calling on society to uphold the principles of Ubuntu. “To the children who are now orphaned, know this: you are not alone. We, as a community, as a government, as a province, will step forward to raise you, to nurture you, to ensure that the dreams your parents carried live on through you.”
The Premier further pledged government support for the children of the deceased, citing policies such as no-fee schooling, social assistance and future access to higher education funding through NSFAS. “We will not allow promises to fade like whispers in the wind,” she assured.
The sombre service, led by MEC Florence Radzilani and Pastor Mabidilala, also featured messages of support from traditional leaders, church representatives and the taxi industry.
As the province continues to mourn, Ramathuba urged citizens to honour the memory of the deceased through compassion and community spirit. “Limpopo mourns with you. Limpopo stands with you. And Limpopo will walk with you into tomorrow.”
