South Africa is in mourning following a devastating school transport accident that claimed the lives of 13 learners in Sebokeng, near Vanderbijlpark, on Monday morning, 19 January 2026.
What began as an ordinary commute to school ended in national heartbreak when the crash occurred along the R553.
The accident involved a minibus taxi transporting learners that collided with a truck. Five learners sustained critical injuries and were rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment. The driver of the minibus taxi has since been discharged from hospital and handed over to authorities, as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
In response to the tragedy, a United National Candlelight Prayer Service will be held on Thursday January 22 from 6pm to 7pm at 30551 Maqhina Street, Daveyton Park, Daveyton, Benoni (behind the Total Garage). The service, which will be livestreamed from the Park and Pray Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574224026071 ) aims to unite communities, faith leaders, and families in a collective moment of mourning, reflection, and remembrance for the 13 young lives lost.
The gathering is more than a tribute — it is a call for solidarity, compassion, and spiritual healing. Participants will light candles in honour of the learners, offer prayers of comfort for bereaved families, and stand together to affirm the value and dignity of every child’s life.
Apostle Simon Mashigo and Pastor Lindiwe Mashigo of Grace Love Family Church in Daveyton, founders of the Park and Pray initiative in that community, launched the prayer hub after recognising the vital role of community support during times of grief, especially during fatal accidents such as these. Event coordinator and Park and Pray spokesperson Mpho Tsoari said Thursday’s prayer service represents a united national response to the tragedy.
“This prayer service is an opportunity for all South Africans to come together — to mourn, to pray, and to support the families affected by this devastating loss,” Tsoari said.
The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) has also expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved families, schools, and communities. SACOFF President Pastor Bert Pretorius described the incident as a “national calamity”, urging South Africans not only to pray but to take decisive action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Moreover, Pretorius has confirmed that the organisation has committed itself to work hand-in hand with the government and the community to assist where possible.
SACOFF has called for a full and transparent investigation into the accident, stricter enforcement of learner transport safety regulations, and comprehensive psychosocial support for survivors, families, educators, and first responders.
The human toll of the tragedy is immense. One mother reportedly lost two of her children in the fatal crash. Another grieving parent, Josephine Mokhobo, who lost her Grade 8 daughter, spoke on First Take on SAFM, expressing deep sorrow and emphasising the importance of parents verifying the safety and legitimacy of scholar transport services. She revealed on SABC YouTube that the owner of the vehicle involved is the chairperson of the Scholar Transport Association in the Vaal.
The tragedy has reignited longstanding national concerns about the safety of learner transport, particularly in township communities. Millions of South African learners rely on public and private transport on a daily basis.
According to data from the Road Traffic Management Corporation and ChildSafe South Africa, children aged 5 to 14 accounted for 5.61% of the 12 172 road deaths recorded in 2024. (Google)
George Ncebesha of the Emfuleni Local Municipality told SABC News that a command centre has been established by the MEC to manage the response to the incident. The centre will consolidate communication efforts, with support from the Office of the Mayor and the municipality, which have committed resources to assist affected families and communities (SABC YOUTUBE)
As the nation grieves, faith-based organisations continue to urge South Africans to attend the candlelight prayer service, offer practical support to affected families, and advocate for safer learner transport systems.
The gathering represents both a moment of mourning and a collective commitment to ensure that the lives lost in Sebokeng lead to meaningful and lasting change.
For more information about the Candlelight Prayer Service, contact Mpho Tsoari on 061 784 9182.
Livestream link from 6pm on Thursday: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574224026071
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