First Lady comforts bereaved families of Mmamatlakala bus tragedy

The government has a duty to stand with bereaved families long after national tragedies fade from public attention, says First Lady Kaone Boko.

She said this in Molepolole on Saturday during the National Healing, Remembrance and Closure ceremony and unveiling of tombstones for victims of Mmamatlalala bus tragedy, which claimed 45 lives in March 2024.

Ms Boko said government responsibility did not end when emergency responders left a disaster scene or when investigations were completed.

“The responsibility of government is fulfilled when those who continue to carry grief know they have not been abandoned and are not left to bear the burden alone,” she said.

She stressed that healing was a continuous process rather than a single event.

Ms Boko said the National Healing, Remembrance and Closure programme was established to ensure that families affected by tragedies received continued care, recognition and support as they rebuilt their lives.

In his remarks, Kgosi Kgari III of the Bakwena commended the government for standing by the Bakwena community following bus tragedy.

Kgosi Kgari III said burying the 45 victims was a heartbreaking experience that left the Bakwena community in deep mourning.

He said the government demonstrated compassion by supporting the bereaved families from the time of the tragedy until now, a gesture that brought comfort to the community.

He said the Bakwena had gathered to unveil the tombstones of those who perished as a way of honouring their memory and helping families find healing and closure.

He expressed gratitude to First Lady Boko for bringing families and the community together through the National Healing, Remembrance and Closure initiative, which he said had helped comfort the bereaved.

He noted that both the Matsha an the Mmamatlakala tragedies had left many families grieving and had highlighted the importance of national unity and compassion during times of loss.

For his part, Minister for Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa commended the First Lady for the initiative, describing her work as compassionate and impactful.

“God is using you to bring comfort and hope to the bereaved,” he said.

He further thanked the previous government for the support it provided the bereaved families following national tragedies, saying the nation had reached an important stage in the journey toward healing and closure.

He urged Batswana to show empathy and humanity toward one another, noting that another person’s pain should concern the whole nation. BOPA