Premier Ramthuba honours Tiyani’s legacy in moving eulogy

The Premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral of 12 people who tragically died in a road accident in Tiyani, within the Collins Chabane Municipality, on 04 October 2025. Her speech expressed deep sorrow and acknowledged the widespread grief felt across the province. She highlighted the importance of community support through the spirit of Ubuntu and committed the provincial government to providing ongoing assistance for the children left behind, ensuring their education and well-being. The Premier emphasised shared responsibility in healing and rebuilding, transforming sorrow into a collective promise for a brighter future.

Key details from the event

• Event: Funeral of 12 road accident victims.
• Date: 04 October 2025.
• Location of funeral: Tiyani, Collins Chabane Municipality.
• Location of accident: Ga-Sekgopo.
• Key Speaker: Premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba.
• People involved and their positions/responsibilities:
  • Programme Directors: MEC Florence Radzilani and Pastor Mabidilala.
  • Members of the Limpopo Executive Council.
  • Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality: Councillor Shadrack Maluleke.
  • Traditional leaders: Hosi Mangava Mkanyani and other senior traditional leaders.
  • Religious representatives: Reverend Dr. GS Lebelo from the International Assemblies of God Church.
  • Transport sector representative: Representative of SANTACO.
• Companies or institutions involved:
  • Limpopo Provincial Government.
  • Collins Chabane Municipality.
  • Departments of Social Development, Health, and Education (mentioned for their roles in safeguarding futures).
  • NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) for education assistance.

A message of shared grief and community strength

The Premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, stood before a grieving community in Tiyani to deliver a heartfelt eulogy for 12 lives tragically lost in a road accident at Ga-Sekgopo. She began by acknowledging the profound sorrow that had enveloped the entire province, stating that the pain was not just for the individual families but a shared burden for all of Limpopo. Speaking not only as a Premier but as a fellow human being, she conveyed the immense weight of the loss, likening the silent comfort offered to that in the biblical story of Job.

Dr. Ramathuba underscored the powerful bond that grief creates, drawing strangers together in shared sorrow and emphasising that the bereaved families were not alone in their painful journey. She spoke of the irreplaceable void left by the deceased, who were mothers, fathers, brothers, aunts, and friends – pillars of strength and carriers of dreams within their communities. This sentiment echoed throughout her speech, highlighting that the loss reverberates far beyond immediate families, affecting the collective spirit of the province.

A central theme of the Premier’s address was the strength of community and the vital African philosophy of Ubuntu, which teaches that “it takes a village to raise a child.” She urged everyone to reflect on this principle, particularly concerning the children now deprived of their parents. Dr. Ramathuba called upon the community to step forward, to nurture and educate these children, planting seeds of hope and responsibility within them. This collective effort, she stressed, would ensure that the legacy of love and support left by their parents would continue.

The Limpopo Provincial Government, she assured, would not offer mere words but would act with meaningful support. This commitment includes enrolling the affected children in supportive structures, ensuring their education through policies like the “no school fee policy,” and providing assistance via the NSFAS for their future tertiary education. The Premier called upon the MECs of Social Development, Health, and Education to join hands in safeguarding these children’s futures and nurturing their potential. This integrated approach aims to provide holistic support for the most vulnerable during this difficult time.

The eulogy concluded with a call to honour the memories of the departed by embodying the compassion, support, and love they demonstrated in life. Dr. Ramathuba encouraged the community to embrace hope for a new dawn, standing in solidarity with the grieving families and helping to carry them into a future that respects the lives lost. The message was one of collective healing and forward momentum, finding strength in unity as everyone moves forward together. You can always find more details about the Limpopo Provincial Government’s initiatives and commitments on their official website: www.limpopo.gov.za.

Benefits to the community and how to participate

This speech outlined clear benefits for the affected families and the broader community, along with pathways for participation:

• Emotional Support and Solidarity: The government, led by Premier Ramathuba, offered profound emotional support and solidarity, reinforcing that no one grieves alone. This collective empathy helps foster a sense of belonging and reduces isolation.
• Educational Assurance: Crucially, the government committed to ensuring the children orphaned by the tragedy receive an education. This includes a “no school fee policy” and future financial assistance through NSFAS for higher education, securing their opportunities for a better future.
• Inter-Departmental Collaboration: The call for the MECs of Social Development, Health, and Education to collaborate guarantees a coordinated and comprehensive approach to safeguarding the children’s well-being, covering their social, health, and educational needs.
• Reinforcement of Ubuntu: The emphasis on Ubuntu strengthens community bonds and promotes a culture of collective responsibility for child-rearing and mutual support.

For community members wishing to participate or help, the speech highlighted several ways:

• Meaningful Actions: The Premier urged the community to offer support through “meaningful actions,” rather than just words. This implies active involvement in local initiatives, volunteering, or providing practical assistance to the bereaved families and children.
• Nurturing Children: Embracing the spirit of Ubuntu, community members are encouraged to play an active role in nurturing and educating the orphaned children, ensuring they grow up with the support and guidance they need.
• Collective Healing: Participating in community mourning, offering comfort, and fostering an environment of hope contributes to the collective healing process for everyone affected by the tragedy.
• Engagement with Departments: Working with local Social Development, Health, and Education departments can provide avenues for coordinated community support, identifying needs, and ensuring resources reach those most in need.

For further news and updates from the Premier’s Office regarding ongoing initiatives and community engagement, you can visit the Premier’s Office News section on the City of Thohoyandou website.

Questions and answers for the public

Here are some questions and answers a member of the public might have regarding the departmental activities mentioned in the Premier’s eulogy:

1. Q: What was the main purpose of Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba‘s speech?
2. A: The Premier delivered a eulogy at the funeral of 12 people who tragically died in a road accident in Tiyani, Collins Chabane Municipality, expressing condolences and committing government support.
3. Q: Where exactly did the accident take place?
4. A: The tragic road accident occurred at Ga-Sekgopo, leading to the loss of 12 lives.
5. Q: What specific support is the Limpopo Provincial Government offering to the children who lost their parents?
6. A: The government has committed to ensuring these children are enrolled in supportive structures, benefit from a “no school fee policy,” and receive assistance from NSFAS for their future education.
7. Q: How can the community get involved in helping the children affected by this tragedy?
8. A: The Premier urged the community to offer support through “meaningful actions” and embody the spirit of Ubuntu by helping to nurture and educate these children, ensuring they grow up with care and guidance.
9. Q: What does “Ubuntu” mean in the context of this speech?
10. A: In this context, Ubuntu is an African philosophy emphasising community responsibility, encapsulated by the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” It highlights collective support for those in need.
11. Q: Which government departments will be working together to help these families and children?
12. A: The Departments of Social Development, Health, and Education have been called upon to join hands in safeguarding the future and nurturing the potential of the affected children.
13. Q: What is NSFAS, and how will it benefit the children?
14. A: NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) provides financial aid to eligible South African students for their tertiary education. It will help these children access colleges or universities when they are older.
15. Q: Where can I find more official information about the Limpopo Provincial Government’s plans and initiatives?
16. A: For official updates and information, you can visit the Limpopo Provincial Government’s website directly at www.limpopo.gov.za.
17. Q: How can I keep up to date with news specifically from the Premier’s Office?
18. A: You can often find news and updates directly from the Premier’s Office, including details on community support, by visiting the Premier’s Office News section on websites like the City of Thohoyandou.
19. Q: What was the overall message Dr. Ramathuba wanted to convey to the bereaved families and the wider community?
20. A: The Premier’s core message was one of profound shared grief, unwavering community solidarity, and a firm commitment from the government to support the bereaved families, particularly the children, ensuring hope for their future despite the immense loss.
21. Q: Are there any specific direct contribution channels for the public to support the children mentioned?
22. A: While specific direct public contribution channels weren’t detailed in this eulogy, the call for “meaningful actions” implies engaging with local community welfare initiatives or official social development programmes aimed at assisting vulnerable children. Further details might be available through local departmental offices.