The department of education in Mpumalanga has announced the sad news of the passing of one of their learners. Thabiso Mtsweni, a pupil at Swartklip Combined School in Delmas, tragically died in a road accident, Mtsweni was hit by a vehicle while crossing the road on his way to school on Thursday morning, 27 September 2026. He was in grade 4.
The minister of education in the province, Lindi Masina, expressed her heartfelt condolences to the Mtsweni family, the school and the Mpumalanga community for the tragic loss of life.
“The department is devastated,” the minister said. According to information received, the incident occurred while the learner was in the vicinity of his designated learner transport route.
It is reported that the learner attempted to cross the road and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Following the incident, the learner was rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the departments have since received the tragic news of the learner’s passing.
The minister for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, speaking on behalf of the department, conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, fellow learners, educators, and the broader Swartklip Combined School community. Both Masina and Thomo met last weekend with community stakeholders to tackle scholar transport challenges in the region.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of young Thabiso Mtsweni,” Masina said.. “No family should have to endure the pain of losing a child under such tragic circumstances. We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, educators, and classmates affected by this devastating loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult period of mourning.”
Both departments have pledged to provide the necessary psychosocial and emotional support to the bereaved family, learners, educators, and the school community. Officials are already providing support to the family, the school and will continue to offer assistance as they navigate this difficult period.
The departments further call on all road users and stakeholders involved in learner transport to exercise the highest level of caution and vigilance to ensure the safety of learners at all times. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to the relevant investigative processes. The departments will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities and will provide updates as and when appropriate.