Cyril Ramaphosa Extends Condolences After N1 Crash Claims 21 Lives, SA Hits Back at President
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has weighed in on the devastating three-vehicle collision on the N1 near Leeu-Gamka
- A total of 21 people were killed when two minibuses and an SUV were involved in the crash on Sunday, 13 September 2026
- South Africans took to social media to weigh in on Ramaphosa's statement, but many were not impressed with him
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Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
WESTERN CAPE — President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences following a horrific accident on the N1 in the Western Cape.
Twenty-one people died in a three-vehicle collision on the N1 near Leeu-Gamka in the Klein Karoo shortly before midnight on Sunday, 13 September 2026. It is one of the deadliest road crashes South Africa has seen this year.
Two minibuses and an SUV were involved in the incident, with reports indicating that one of the taxis was travelling on the wrong side of the road at the time of the crash. One of the taxi drivers was among those who died.
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Ramaphosa offers his condolences
Taking to X, President Ramaphosa addressed the tragedy, expressing sympathy for the bereaved families.
"My heart goes out to the families and friends of the 21 people who lost their lives in a three-vehicle incident on the N1 near Leeu-Gamka in the Klein Karoo close to midnight last night," Ramaphosa wrote.
He acknowledged that the crash had cost families both loved ones and breadwinners, and noted the impact on businesses and organisations that employed some of the deceased. He also extended his thoughts to emergency services personnel who responded to the scene.
"This devastating incident cautions us yet again to exercise the greatest care on our roads as we traverse our vast country," he added.
South Africans hit back at Ramaphosa's statement
The president's post drew widespread criticism from South Africans who directed their frustration at what they described as inadequate government action on road safety.
@portiamluv wrote:
"Your lack of leadership is the reason we're here; you have blood on your hands!!"
@AnnelizeGe25531 asked:
"Taxis and trucks are killing people daily on our roads. What's the plan??"
@tshidishete said:
"Condolences won't help this situation. Rule with an iron fist, man and don't just declare a state of emergency with no strong measures and consequences!"
@MangiShantX1 wrote:
"You have blood and broken hearts on your hands as our leader; you've failed us, so many things have gone wrong under your leadership; you've never had the heart for your people."
@Recon1_ZA commented:
"No one is surprised taxis are involved once again. Just another issue your government created and couldn't get a handle on."
@Ke_Moeletsi added:
"You, with your useless statements and your useless leadership."
Other accidents involving taxis
Briefly News reported that there have been numerous accidents this year involving taxis.
- On 11 September 2025, five children were killed and eight were injured after a taxi ploughed into a creche in Pietermaritzburg.
- A day later, several schoolchildren were injured after a taxi accident in the same area in Imbali as the fatal crash.
- 21 learners were injured on 15 September after a taxi plunged off the Kwakheha Bridge in Impendle.
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Source: Briefly News
