Spokesperson, Elias Malindi, says the event was not organised by the department. He says the event was organised by communities in those areas where the pupils come from. 

Six scholars died on the scene and one died in hospital after the driver of a bakkie they were travelling in lost control and collided with a tree. 

MEC Mmaphefo Matsemela on Sunday conveyed messages of a speedy recovery to all the injured learners. Matsemela announced that counselling for the learners and teachers of the affected schools would take place on Monday, October 21.

She said the accident happened at a very crucial time when learners were preparing to write their final examinations. She also conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families who had lost children in the horrible accident. 

The learners that were involved in the accident attended Ratsela Middle school in Rietpan Village near Zeerust. The accident occurred at an intersection between Lobatla and Driefontein.

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