The teachers were from a Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy Traning Session at Emalahleni and were returning home when the accident occurred. Photo by Getty Images
By Kopano Dibakwane & Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
Mpumalanga Department of Education led a heartfelt memorial service held at Shekina Church in Matsulu, City of Mbombela Local Municipality, on Tuesday 5 March, in honour of three dedicated teachers.
The deceased educators, identified as Thembinkosi Surprise Nkosi(36), Kholwani Blessing Sibisi(29) and Nickson Toga (29), reportedly lost their lives in a fatal car accident that occured along the N4 Road on Wednesday 28 February.
According to a statement released by the Department, the deceased were returning to their respective homes from a Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy Training Session at Emalahleni when they met their untimely demise.
They were reportedly teaching Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Tikhontele and Masitakhe Secondary Schools in Matsulu-Ehlanzeni District.
Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Bonakele Majuba, conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, while also wishing a speedy recovery to teachers who were injured during the accident.
“ It is really painful to fathom the news of the passing away of our young teachers who were on a patriotic journey to empower themselves with knowledge, so that in turn they could impart into our children.
“ Teachers remain a valuable resource for the growth and development of our communities, and if one of them departs from this world, it becomes a heavy blow to the Department and the rest of our communities. In this case, three of them passed away and it is too much to bear for the Department and the Province,” said Majuba.
The memorial service was attended by family members of the deceased and government officials including; Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko( Executive Mayor of the City of Mbombela), Jesta Sidell(Executive Mayor of Ehlanzeni District), Oupa Bodibe( Provincial Chairperson of South African Democratic Teachers Union-SADTU), to name but a few.
