06 DECEMBER 2021, Cape Town – Following the fatal crash that claimed the lives of four members of the netball fraternity, the families of the deceased have been duly notified of the tragic news.
Netball South Africa confirmed on Sunday that after consultation with the relevant stakeholders, a decision to carry on with the tournament was made. On Monday 06 December 2021, Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane led the candle light ceremony where the lives of the deceased were remembered.
Molokwane started the proceedings by encouraging those that were present at the SPAR National Championships to honour the four individuals who lost their lives on their way to Cape Town.
The ceremony was attended by all the teams including government officials from Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the SPAR Proteas, who are currently having a training camp in Stellenbosch ahead of the Quad Series in January.
The national Department of Sports, Arts and Culture also issued a statement in the morning expressing their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and Netball South Africa. Honourable Minister Nathi Mthethwa has asked Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu to work closely with the Eastern Cape MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture Fezeka Nkomonye in engaging the families of the deceased and getting them the necessary support during this trying time.
“My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, this tragic death of these athletes is indeed a serious blow to the nation and to netball, as a fast-growing sport. These athletes were destined to participate in one of the tournaments that were meant to select future stars ahead of the 2023 Netball World Cup scheduled to take place in Cape Town. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this difficult period”, said Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Netball South Africa wishes to confirm that the following individuals tragically lost their lives on Sunday 05thDecember:
- Nocamagu Mvunyiswa (Coach)
- Phelo Charles (Player)
- Indiphile Mfengu (Player)
- Thabisile Maxikika (Player)
It is also understood that of the 25 people who were hospitalised yesterday, four are still in a critical condition. An unindentified number of them have been released from hospital. More information will be shared in due course.
Netball South Africa will work closely with Eastern Cape Netball, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture in the province as well as the families of the deceased and injured during this difficult time.
Funeral service arrangement and memorial services information will be made available in due course.
