Limpopo – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow following a devastating bus crash near Makhado in Limpopo on Sunday afternoon that claimed the lives of at least 42 people and left dozens injured.
The tragedy occurred on the N1 highway as the bus, reportedly carrying nationals from Zimbabwe and Malawi, was travelling from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape towards their home countries.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Monday, Ramaphosa conveyed condolences on behalf of South Africa to the governments and citizens of Zimbabwe and Malawi.
“On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi who have lost compatriots in a bus crash which took place near Makhado, Limpopo,” the Presidency said.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA MOURNS HIGH DEATH TOLL IN LIMPOPO BUS CRASH@PresidencyZA @CyrilRamaphosa
On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi who have lost compatriots in a bus… https://t.co/nYabFvNUl9
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 13, 2025
Ramaphosa described the crash as a “tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike.”
“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,” Ramaphosa added.
He called on all road users to act responsibly and prioritise safety.
“Our roads are also economic networks that bring the people of our region together across our national borders. 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.”
Social media reports earlier confirmed on social media that “40 people have been killed in a bus crash on the N1 near Musina in Limpopo”, with scores more sustaining injuries.
Emergency services were still on the scene late Sunday, assisting survivors and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Authorities are yet to release further details on the cause of the crash.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
