PIETERMARITZBURG, KwaZulu-Natal, 21 Sept 2025 - The education community in KwaZulu-Natal is mourning the loss of another precious young life following a devastating school transport accident that has now claimed five students. Nomalanga Ndawonde, a 15-year-old Grade 9 student from Zibukezulu High School, passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital.

Latest Victim Succumbs to Injuries

Ms. Ndawonde had been receiving intensive medical care since the tragic accident occurred on T22 Road in Unit 18 Imbali Township. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals and the hopes of her family and community, she succumbed to traumatic brain injuries sustained in the crash at approximately 3:00 AM.

The announcement came from Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House, where officials had been closely monitoring the condition of survivors. "We were nursing hope that she was going to survive and rejoin her Grade 9 classmates at Zibukezulu High School. Sadly, she has left us," stated education authorities.

READ: KZN Premier Calls for Thorough Investigation into Imbali Scholar Transport Tragedies

Details of the Fatal Accident

The catastrophic incident occurred when a Toyota Siyaya minibus taxi experienced complete brake failure while navigating the steep descent on T22 Road. The vehicle, carrying multiple school children, lost control and veered off the roadway before colliding with a tree and ultimately crashing into Senzokuhle Pre-School premises.

This mechanical failure has highlighted ongoing concerns about vehicle safety standards in the scholar transport industry, particularly regarding regular maintenance and safety inspections of vehicles used to transport children.

Community Response and Support

Following the latest tragedy, a comprehensive support system has been mobilized to assist affected families and schools. The integrated response includes:

• Government Officials: MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane and MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka are coordinating resources
• Local Leadership: Mayor of Umgungundlovu District Cllr Mzi Zuma and Mayor of Umsunduzi Local Municipality Cllr Mzimkhulu Thebolla are providing municipal support
• Community Support: Local councillors, including Councillor Ngubane, are maintaining direct contact with affected families
• Spiritual Care: Religious leaders have been deployed to provide counseling and spiritual support during this difficult period

Remembering the Victims

The accident has now claimed five young lives, each representing immeasurable loss to their families and the broader community:

1. Nomalanga Ndawonde (Female, 15 years old)
2. Mthokozisi Khambule (Male)
3. Luthando Zaca (Male)
4. Omphile Mbhense (Female)
5. Zanokuhle Notha (Female)

Three students have already been laid to rest, with Mthobisi Khambule's funeral scheduled for Friday. Each service has been attended by community members, education officials, and local leadership showing solidarity with grieving families.

READ: Pietermaritzburg Creche Accident: Three School Children Killed After Minibus Crash

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the brake failure that led to this tragedy. The incident has renewed calls for:

• Enhanced vehicle inspection protocols for scholar transport
• Improved safety standards for school transport operators
• Better training for drivers operating in mountainous terrain
• Regular mechanical assessments of vehicles carrying children

Educational Impact

The loss has significantly impacted Zibukezulu High School and the broader educational community. Counseling services have been made available to students and staff dealing with trauma and grief from losing their classmates and peers.

School officials are working closely with the Department of Education to ensure continued support for affected students and to implement additional safety measures for future transport arrangements.

Government Commitment to Families

Officials have emphasized their commitment to supporting affected families throughout this difficult period. A dedicated team has been dispatched to maintain close contact with the Ndawonde family and others impacted by the tragedy.

The coordinated response demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating this incident and their determination to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Moving Forward

As the community continues to mourn these young lives cut tragically short, focus is turning to practical measures that can prevent similar accidents. The integrated approach involving health, education, and municipal authorities represents a comprehensive effort to address both immediate needs and long-term safety improvements.

The memory of Nomalanga Ndawonde and her fellow students will undoubtedly drive continued efforts to improve school transport safety standards throughout KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.

This developing story continues to impact the Imbali Township community and broader KwaZulu-Natal region. Authorities maintain their commitment to supporting affected families while investigating measures to prevent future tragedies.