The crash – between a minibus and the 60-seat school bus – left 17 people dead on the R61 between Cradock and Graaff-Reinet last Saturday.
Among the dead was Cradock Primary School principal Wimpie van der Merwe, 41, who was driving the school bus. The school rugby team had been on its way to Graaff-Reinet for a match when a minibus, travelling in the opposite direction, reportedly overtook another vehicle on a high rise and smashed head-on into the school bus.
Yesterday, thousands of people lent their support to Van der Merwe’s widow, Elsabe, his son Lowaldo, 25, and two stepchildren.
Teachers and pupils from surrounding schools came out to give their support.
Pupils carried the school and South African flags into the church to the sounds of the national anthem and school song.
At the front of the church, an electric train and rugby balls were displayed alongside photographs of the much-loved teacher and rugby coach.
Pastor Hansie Schutte urged mourners not to “point fingers” at the taxi driver for allegedly having caused the crash.
He said: “There are many questions and emotions in our hearts. We want to know when this will stop. Innocent passengers and drivers are losing their lives due to the reckless driving of taxis and buses.”
The funeral of 10-year-old pupil Stephanus Cornelius Ferreira, who also died in the crash, will be held today.
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Article source: http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2012/07/27/teary-sendoff-for-principal