Reasons behind tragic accident need serious attention

There is a time for everything under heaven, the Good Book says.

Now is a time of grief and sadness; a time of mourning; a time to say farewell.

This district has lost one of its brightest stars in Thulani Mashaba, when he had hardly peered over the horizon.

Who knows what great political and leadership heights he may have attained, given his intellect, enthusiasm and charisma?

But once the farewells have been said and the tears have dried, the manner of Mashaba’s sad passing will have to be scrutinised.

It should never happen again, and this is by no means an incident in isolation.

There has long been heated debate about ‘blue light brigades’ and the ‘need for speed’ associated with conveying senior officials to and from important functions – or even in less pressing situations.

Legislation needs to be adapted and adhered to, to vindicate when and if such conduct is appropriate.

The robust manner in which these cavalcades have pressurised other motorists into getting out of their way – though not applicable in this instance – is also well documented.

Unfortunately, some of the incidents have resulted in fatalities and costly court cases.

What is without doubt is that the community at large is angry and indignant at the treatment they receive when sharing the road with blue light convoys.

Thulani Mashaba’s unfortunate demise appears to be directly linked to the vehicle, in which he was a passenger, aquaplaning and leaving the N2 highway after driving into a large pool of water.

Others who passed through on that night reportedly had the same experience.

The question must be asked why a relatively new road should have such depressions where large volumes of water can accumulate.

Is this a design flaw, or a maintenance issue?

Safety concerns such as the use – or not – of safety belts, driver training and adaptation to weather and road conditions will surely come out as the accident investigation and inquest unfold.

While this will do nothing to bring back a beloved son of this region, it might spare others the heartache being shared now by so many.