‘They turned my pain into content’: ‘Lady in Red’ mother mourns daughter at memorial of 14 pupils
Candles and flowers are displayed in memory of the 14 pupils killed in the Vanderbijlpark crash during a memorial service in Sebokeng.
Image: Supplied
The mother of Buhle Radebe, widely referred to on social media as the “Lady in Red” after she was filmed crying uncontrollably at the scene of the Vanderbijlpark crash that killed 14 pupils, has broken her silence, describing her daughter as a devoted prayer warrior.
The sombre service was held at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground Hall as families paid tribute to the pupils who lost their lives.
The pupils lost their lives when a scholar transport minibus taxi collided with a truck on Monday, January 19, on the R533.
Radebe’s mother, who went viral on social media after being filmed crying uncontrollably at the crash scene while wearing a red dress, said the public attention added to her pain.
“I am standing here today and I don’t know where the strength comes from,” she said.
“On Monday, I experienced something I cannot even explain. When I opened TikTok, I was called ‘the lady in red’. It broke my heart to see people turning our pain into content.”
She described Buhle, a Grade 11 pupil at Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark, as deeply spiritual and wise beyond her years.
“Buhle was a prayer warrior. She prayed prayers that changed situations. Even though she was young, she motivated us as adults,” she said. “You will always be missed dearly.”
Candles and flowers are displayed in memory of the 14 pupils killed in the Vanderbijlpark crash during a memorial service in Sebokeng.
Image: Supplied
The family of Sibongile Madonsela, a Grade 10 pupil at Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark, expressed gratitude for the support they had received while grappling with their loss.
“We are hurting deeply,” a family representative said.
“When we pray, we say, ‘Let your will be done,’ but when that will happen, it is not easy for us to accept.”
They said they were leaving the matter in God’s hands, trusting that justice would prevail, whether or not the case proceeds through the courts.
Sibongile’s grandmother said her mother was unable to attend the service as she was still coming to terms with her daughter’s death.
“She is broken. Sibongile was her only child. She doesn’t want anything anymore,” she said.
Sibongile is expected to be buried on Saturday.
“She didn’t want to see her daughter at the mortuary. She wants to remember her the way she knew her - alive and full of hope,” the grandmother said.
The family of Bokamoso Mokhobo, a Grade 8 pupil at Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark, echoed similar sentiments.
“This is the time to give God control,” a family representative said.
“Bokamoso and the others are resting in the shadow of the Almighty. We have accepted this because God’s promises are trustworthy.”
Mourners sing hymns as they pay tribute to the 14 pupils killed in a crash involving a scholar transport vehicle in Vanderbijlpark.
Image: Supplied
Buhle’s grandmother said the family was still struggling to make sense of the tragedy.
“We are hurt, angry and confused. Nothing makes sense,” she said.
“Seeing the lifeless body of your child lying there is something no parent or grandparent should ever experience.”
She described Buhle as multitalented, loving and full of life.
“She loved cooking, doing massages and was interested in beauty. She hadn’t yet decided what she wanted to be, but she had so much potential,” she said.
Ayanda Dludla, 22, is accused of causing the crash and faces 14 counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
He made his first appearance in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and has abandoned his bail application.
He is expected to return to court on March 5.
The Gauteng Education Transport Services (GETS) confirmed that Dludla was operating under its association and said complaints had previously been lodged about his alleged reckless driving.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over safety in Gauteng’s private scholar transport sector.
A mass funeral for the pupils is expected to be held on Sunday, January 25, at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground in Sebokeng.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is expected to attend and deliver a eulogy at a joint funeral service for three of the learners.
Grieving families attend a memorial service at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground Hall in Sebokeng on Friday to honour the 14 pupils killed in a crash in Vanderbijlpark earlier this week.
Image: Supplied
Pupils who lost their lives
🕊️ Buhle Radebe – Grade 11, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
🕊️ Bokamoso Mokhobo – Grade 8, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
🕊️ Sibongile Madonsela – Grade 10, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
🕊️ Leano Moiloa – Grade 8, Vaal High School
🕊️ Lesego Sefatsa – Grade 2, Oakwood Primary School
🕊️ Letlotlo Katlego Makwe – Grade 2, Vaal Triangle Primary School
🕊️ Ofentse Jayden Vinger – Grade 1, Oliver Lodge Primary School
🕊️ Lindokuhle Mabaso – Grade 5, Noordhoek Primary School
🕊️ Pheello Motaung – Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School
🕊️ Puleng Maphalla – Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School
🕊️ Naledi Motsapi – Grade 10, El-Shaddai Christian School
🕊️ Bohlale Lekekela – Grade 1, El-Shaddai Christian School
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