An accident has claimed the lives of at least nine people returning from an African National Congress (ANC) election rally led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The incident occurred early Sunday, February 25, 2024, as the supporters traveled back to Mpumalanga province in eastern South Africa, from Durban, where the rally was held.
The group had attended the ANC’s manifesto launch at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, a significant event to garner support for the upcoming national election on May 29. The forthcoming election is viewed as a critical test for the ANC, which has governed South Africa for nearly 30 years since the end of apartheid in 1994. Current opinion polls suggest the party may lose its majority for the first time.
The bus, carrying around 70 supporters, veered off the road and overturned near Paulpietersburg, around 223 miles north of Durban. The accident resulted in nine fatalities and injured 17 others, some of whom are in critical condition.
Authorities and emergency services responded to the crash site, and provincial ANC officials visited both the scene and the hospitals where the injured are being treated. The ANC has expressed its deep sorrow over the accident and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by local law enforcement. This accident is not the first involving ANC supporters; a similar incident in January killed six people traveling to an anniversary celebration in Mpumalanga province.
President Ramaphosa’s campaign promises to address unemployment and end power outages, resonating with many at the rally. However, the party faces significant challenges, including public dissatisfaction with high unemployment rates and a sluggish economy.
In anticipation of the election, the ANC had organized transportation for attendees from various parts of the country, a common practice in South African politics. Sadly, the journey back turned fatal for some.
As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the focus remains on providing support to the injured and grieving families.