Knysna’s newest public servant commemorates Rheenendal tragedy
Knysna Municipality’s newly-elected Ward 5 councillor, Hilton Stroebel, this weekend visited the families of Rheenendal Primer pupils who lost their lives in a bus accident eight years ago.
On August 24, 2011, 14 Rheenendal children aged between seven and 17 lost their lives when the school bus they were travelling in veered off the road and was partially emerged in Kasat-se-Drift.
It was reported at the time that the 65-year-old driver of the Tata minibus – part of the African Express fleet – allegedly lost control of the bus due to faulty brakes.
He also died when the bus rolled into the shallow dam off Rheenendal Road, just west of Knysna.
On Saturday, August 24, Stroebel visited the bereft families – not only to commemorate the tragic day but to celebrate the young lives lost in the tragedy.
In collaboration with his ward team, he went from house to house to meet with families of the victims.
The councillor said that while meeting with the families it struck him that in times of trials and tribulations, one needs support to ease the pain.
“While visiting families who lost their loved ones in the bus tragedy eight years ago, it was evident to me that all of us need love and support in times of sadness and discouragement.
“These families showed me that they wanted to remember those who have passed, their precious angels that will always be part of their lives,” Stroebel said in a social media statement.
Once the commemoration was concluded under a clear blue sky, Stroebel led the way to the scene of the accident, along with his colleagues, families of the victims, and members of the local community. Here, wreaths were laid and prayers said, asking for strength and healing for the affected families.
Councillor Stroebel expressed gratitude to his colleagues for sharing their love and support with the Rheenendal community.