Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Edgar Lungu has declared Monday September 24th as a day of national mourning in respect of Zambians who lost their lives in the South African bus accident last week.
Eleven people died in a road accident along the n1 in Polokwane In South Africa.
And South African provincial government, member of executive council in charge of transport, Makoma Makhuruperje says South Africa will always remember the hospitality that was extended to its people during the difficult years of apartheid.
Ms. Makhuruperje says South Africa will remain indebted to the generosity of Zambians who helped the people at the critical point.
She says the loss of the eleven Zambians in a tragedy in Mokopane bus accident had prompted condolences that were issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Cabinet and Minister of transport, blade Nzimande to the people of Zambia.
And Zambian high commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel mwamba says most of the deceased were small-scale traders who were keen to grow their business through trade opportunities.
Mr. Mwamba says it is for this reason that SADC countries should work together to facilitate trade of its people.
He also called on bus services transporting cross border traders to ensure that their bus drivers and crew respected traffic regulations including ensuring that drivers did not over speed, or were not fatigued.
This morning Limpopo provincial government held a special memorial service for eleven Zambians that perished in a bus accident in Mokopane near Limpopo.
According to a statement made available to q-news, Mr. Mwamba says the remains will then be flown to Ndola first where 8 bodies will be taken for the deceased persons that lived in Ndola, Chingola, Chililabombwe and Kitwe.
He says the remains for those from Lusaka, will be taken later.
Meanwhile he has however encouraged family members and mourners to be at the airport by 13:00hrs.
The Zambia air force plane carrying the bodies of the 11 victims of last week’s tragic bus accident in south will arrive at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe airport in Ndola today at 14:00hrs.