Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba to honour lives lost in R81 accident

Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba will be attending a mass funeral service on Saturday, 04 October 2025, to offer her condolences and support to the families and community mourning the loss of 12 church members. These individuals tragically died in a horrific accident involving two heavy-duty trucks and a minibus taxi on Sunday, 28 September 2025, along the R81 near Ga-Sekgopo. The service will take place at the Roman Tigers Sports Ground in Tiyani Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, starting at 07h00.

Key details of the event

• Event: Mass funeral service for 12 victims of the R81 horror accident.
• Date of service: Saturday, 04 October 2025.
• Time of service: 07h00.
• Venue: Roman Tigers Sports Ground, Tiyani Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District.
• Accident date: Sunday, 28 September 2025.
• Accident location: Along the R81 near Ga-Sekgopo.
• Involved vehicles: Two heavy-duty trucks and one minibus taxi.
• Key government official attending: Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba.
• Media contacts for enquiries:
  • Ndavhe Ramakuela, Provincial Government Spokesperson (082 200 5357)
  • Thilivhali Muavha, Premier’s Spokesperson (066 011 7034)
• Issued by: The Limpopo Provincial Government.

A message from the Premier’s office regarding the R81 tragedy

It is with a heavy heart that the office of Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba announces her attendance at the mass funeral service for the 12 precious lives lost in the devastating R81 accident. This tragic event, which occurred on Sunday, 28 September 2025, along the R81 near Ga-Sekgopo, claimed the lives of 12 church members and has left a deep void in the hearts of their families and the entire community.

The accident, involving two heavy-duty trucks and a minibus taxi, has profoundly affected us all. Premier Ramathuba’s presence at the funeral, scheduled for Saturday, 04 October 2025, at 07h00 at the Roman Tigers Sports Ground in Tiyani Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, is a testament to the provincial government’s commitment to standing with its people during times of immense sorrow. She will join grieving families and community members to offer her respects and provide support.

The Limpopo Provincial Government understands the pain and grief that such an incident brings. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected. This solemn occasion serves as a moment for us to unite, reflect, and support one another as a community.

Benefits to the community and participation

The Premier’s attendance signifies the government’s solidarity and compassion for its citizens. It is a way of showing that the province cares deeply about the well-being of its people and that no one grieves alone. For the community, this offers an opportunity to collectively mourn, find comfort in shared grief, and witness the government’s commitment to supporting its residents.

Community members are encouraged to participate in the mass funeral service to show their support for the bereaved families. Your presence, whether in person at the Roman Tigers Sports Ground, or by offering thoughts and prayers from afar, will be greatly appreciated by those who have lost so much. This is a moment for us to come together as one, offering strength and comfort to those who need it most. We also encourage safe travel to and from the venue, respecting traffic laws and showing consideration for others on the roads.

Questions and answers for the public

1. Who is the Limpopo Premier?
   The Premier of Limpopo Province is Dr. Phophi Ramathuba.

2. What is the Premier’s involvement in this event?
   Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba will be joining families and community members to pay her respects during the mass funeral service for the 12 accident victims.

3. When and where is the mass funeral service taking place?
   The mass funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, 04 October 2025, at 07h00. It will be held at the Roman Tigers Sports Ground, Tiyani Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, in the Vhembe District.

4. What was the cause of the accident?
   The media advisory states the accident involved two heavy-duty trucks and a minibus taxi, resulting in the loss of 12 lives. Further details on the specific cause of the collision are not provided in this statement.

5. Who were the victims of the accident?
   The victims were 12 church members who tragically lost their lives in the horrific accident.

6. How can community members show their support?
   Community members are invited to attend the mass funeral service to offer their condolences and stand in solidarity with the grieving families and friends.

7. Will there be any ongoing support for the affected families?
   While this statement primarily focuses on the funeral attendance, the Premier’s presence signifies government support. For specific ongoing support initiatives, it is best to contact the Premier’s Office directly via the provided media contacts or local government departments.

8. How can I get more information about this event?
   For media enquiries and further information, you can contact Ndavhe Ramakuela (Provincial Government Spokesperson) at 082 200 5357 or Thilivhali Muavha (Premier’s Spokesperson) at 066 011 7034.

9. Is anything being done to prevent future accidents on the R81?
   This media advisory focuses on the funeral service. For information regarding road safety initiatives or improvements on the R81, you would need to contact the provincial Department of Transport directly. However, the government is continuously working on road safety.

10. What time should I arrive if I want to attend the funeral?
    The service is scheduled to start at 07h00. It is advisable to arrive a bit earlier to find a suitable place and ensure respectful attendance.

11. Are there any other ways to stay informed about news from the Premier’s office?
    Yes, you can often find more news and updates from the Premier’s Office through official government channels and websites, such as the Premier’s Office News page.

12. How can I contact the Premier’s office for other matters?
    For matters not related to media enquiries, it’s best to visit the official Limpopo Provincial Government website for general contact information or departmental directories.