Princess Phumzile Buthelezi MPL
IFP Women’s Brigade Chairperson
The IFP Women’s Brigade (IFPWB) has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the seven maidens who passed away during a gruesome accident between Pomeroy and Dundee in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands at the weekend.
“We are terribly sad to learn that seven young women have lost their lives in such a horrific manner as they travelled back from attending an important cultural event, ahead of the annual Read Dance taking place next month,” said Princess Phumzile Buthelezi MPL, the Chairperson of the IFP Women’s Brigade.
She added, “we send condolences to the grieving families and we wish them strength and comfort during this painful and very difficult time.”
A delegation of the IFP Women’s Brigade will be visiting the grieving families and the injured in hospital in due course.
“We call on the KwaZulu Natal government not only to provide counselling services to the grieving families, but to ensure they give additional support to the these families so that they can bury their loved ones in dignity,” said Princess Buthelezi MPL.
While the IFP noted that the Department of Transport would conduct thorough roadworthiness inspections on all buses and taxis that will be transporting maidens to the Reed Dance Festival next month, the IFPWB believes more must be done.
“Maidens must be able to partake in Umkhosi Womhlanga in absolute safety. This means travelling to and from their homes, and while there are in Nongoma for the ceremony. We call on Premier Zikalala and all relevant MECs to ensure that they put in place measures to ensure the safety of the maidens next month, so that no more young lives are needlessly lost in our province,” concluded Princess Buthelezi MPL.
