The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, has expressed her deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in a tragic accident in Kariega this morning.
Seven people died and several others were injured following a collision between a minibus taxi and a bus in Kariega.
It is alleged that the fully loaded minibus taxi made a U-turn in front of an oncoming bus.
Executive Mayor Lobishe said the incident has dealt a devastating blow to the affected families and the broader economy of the city, as many of the deceased were on their way to work and were breadwinners in their households. “This incident is not just a mere accident; it is a tragedy that will leave a painful void in many families. Although details are still sketchy, preliminary investigations indicate that human error may have been the cause. I would like to plead with drivers, especially those in the public transport industry, to exercise extra caution and act responsibly on our roads,” said Executive Mayor Lobishe. The Executive Mayor added that, on behalf of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the families of the deceased and those injured will remain in the municipality’s prayers during this difficult time.
Road Safety Tips for Public Transport Drivers:
- Always obey traffic rules and road signs.
- Avoid dangerous manoeuvres such as unsafe U-turns or overtaking.
- Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy through regular maintenance checks.
- Do not overload passengers beyond legal capacity.
- Stay alert, avoid distractions, and never drive while fatigued.
- Maintain safe following distances and adjust speed according to road conditions.
- Prioritise the safety of passengers and other road users at all times.
DA Comments:
The Democratic Alliance is deeply saddened by this latest loss of life on Eastern Cape roads. We will be demanding an immediate and comprehensive investigation into this crash, as well as stricter law enforcement measures from Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha.
The victims were ordinary workers being transported from KwaNobuhle to work in the town. They were trying to earn a living for their families when this devastating tragedy struck their vehicle. Initial reports indicate all seven who died were passengers in the taxi.
This incident once again exposes the urgent need for decisive action to improve road safety, strengthen visible traffic policing, and enforce traffic laws across the province.
The DA will write to Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha, requesting an immediate and comprehensive investigation into this crash. The investigation must include a full review of the taxi operator’s licensing status, the vehicle’s roadworthiness compliance, adherence to approved routes, and whether all relevant safety requirements were met.
This crash follows another major incident last month that also claimed seven lives. The pattern of road deaths in the Eastern Cape is unacceptable, and it cannot be allowed to continue as though these tragedies are inevitable.
I will also request the immediate intensification of visible traffic law enforcement on the KwaNobuhle to Kariega commuter route, and on every other high-risk corridor across the province.
That means regular roadblocks, targeted patrols, proper vehicle inspections, and real consequences for operators and drivers who flout the rules.
No family should have to bury loved ones simply because they boarded a taxi to get to work. The people of Kariega, and the broader Eastern Cape, deserve a public transport system and road network where safety is treated as a non-negotiable priority.
The DA will continue to fight for accountability, safer roads, and a transport system that protects the lives of ordinary people.
