KwaZulu-Natal was united in grief on Sunday, 8 February 2026, as six members of the Mnyango family were laid to rest following a devastating road accident on the N2 near Mtubatuba. The tragedy has left a deep scar on the family, the local community, and the province at large, once again highlighting the heavy human cost of road accidents in South Africa.
The mass funeral was held at eMawombe Sports Field under the uMfolozi Local Municipality, where hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their final respects. Among those in attendance were KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, alongside community leaders, friends, neighbours and grieving relatives. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as hymns were sung and tributes were delivered in memory of the six family members whose lives were cut short.
Ahead of the funeral service, Premier Ntuli visited the Mnyango family homestead to personally convey his condolences and to stand in solidarity with the bereaved family. The visit formed part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to provide support to families who have suffered profound loss, especially in cases involving sudden and tragic deaths.
During his address at the funeral, Premier Ntuli expressed deep sadness over the loss of life and extended heartfelt sympathies to the Mnyango family and the broader community. He described the incident as a painful reminder of how fragile life is and how quickly families can be torn apart by road tragedies.
The Premier also used the occasion to raise serious concerns about the increasing number of fatal accidents along the N2 corridor, one of KwaZulu-Natal’s busiest routes. He noted that many of these crashes are linked to human error, including reckless driving, speeding, and failure to comply with road safety regulations. According to him, these behaviours continue to claim innocent lives and leave families devastated.
He called for stronger and more visible law enforcement presence along the N2 and other major roads, stressing that sustained policing, responsible road use, and increased public awareness are critical in reducing road fatalities. “We cannot continue to lose so many lives on our roads,” he said, adding that every driver has a responsibility to protect not only their own life but the lives of others.
The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening road safety interventions, improving coordination between law enforcement agencies, and promoting responsible driving behaviour across the province. Authorities believe that a combination of stricter enforcement, education campaigns, and community cooperation is essential in preventing further tragedies.
For the Mnyango family, however, these commitments come amid unimaginable pain. The funeral service was marked by emotional scenes as relatives and friends said their final goodbyes, remembering the deceased for their love, kindness, and the roles they played within the family and community.
As KwaZulu-Natal mourns with the Mnyango family, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for safer roads and more responsible driving. The hope remains that through collective effort, similar heartbreak can be prevented in the future.
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