LOVE LIKE NO OTHER Grandmotherly love saves ZCC bus crash survivor’s life

The eight-year-old sole survivor of the St Engenas ZCC bus crash that happened in Mmamatlakala-Mokopane, South Africa over the Easter holidays, has reportedly been saved by her late grandmother. Unconfirmed reports say that the eight-year old was shielded by her loving grandmother during the tragic incident. It is said that on impact the two were thrown out of the bus before it fell off the bridge.

The grandmother did everything to protect her grandchild in the process sustaining injuries that ultimately led to her passing while on the way to hospital. An analyst of what could have happened on the accident scene told South African media last week that from the injuries sustained by the grandmother, it is clear that as the bus rolled over towards them ahead of falling off the bridge, the grandmother must have opted to shied the young girl from the weight of the bus that instead hurt her more than it did the child.

This incident served as a reminder that grandmothers are by nature very protective of their grandchildren. Being the most experienced members of the family, grandmothers are usually seen as cornerstones of strong and healthy families. The Midweek Sun conducted a vox pop in which many participants confirmed that there is nothing quite like a grandmother’s love. Basetsana Maabong from Molepolole was raised by her grandmother, who has since passed away. She fondly remembers her grandmother’s immense love, especially when she would attend weddings and return home with plenty of leftover food, which she would eagerly share with the family.

Basetsana recalls with laughter how her grandmother’s thoughtful gestures brought joy and anticipation to their household, even when they already had an abundance of food.

“She passed away when I was still young, but I believe she continues to watch over me as a guardian angel,” Basetsana reflects. Maikano Leatile, from Serowe is grateful that her grandmother is still alive, and cherishes the enduring grandmotherly love she receives from her. Maikano emphasises the significant role her grandmother plays in her life, highlighting her continued care for Maikano’s son. She encourages other young people to reciprocate this love and care by showing appreciation to their grandmothers, suggesting gestures like buying groceries and toiletries for them.

Agisanyang Ntshole, 29, from Lorwana village, fondly remembers her late maternal grandmother, Gina Ntshole, as a unique and influential figure in her life. She credits her grandmother with protecting, nurturing, and instilling in her a sense of responsibility from a young age, moulding her into a contributing member of the community.

Agisanyang cherishes the values and guidance her grandmother imparted, expressing gratitude for the intact upbringing, discipline, and coaching she received. Despite her grandmother’s passing, Agisanyang feels her presence and strives to emulate her upbringing when raising her own children someday.

Sola Nkitse, 27, from Molepolole says her grandmother played a pivotal role in her life, stepping in to fulfil all parental responsibilities after her mother left for Gaborone. Nkise emphasises the profound impact her grandmother had on her, essentially raising her single-handedly and being a formidable and ever-present force of support and guidance throughout her upbringing.

“In the past, parents would often leave for cities in search of employment. It was our grandmothers who stepped in to provide us with care and support. I am still grateful to my grandmother for the love and care she continues to show me today,” Sola reflected.

Goitsemang Lamong, 46, sees his mother as more of a sister figure, due to the grandmotherly love. Despite the bond they shared with the mother, when she died a few years ago, the loss felt less significant compared to the bond he shared with his grandmother and knew his grandmother would take over.

Moreotlhe Tsie, from Maun was born during the era of the HIV/AIDS scourge. Sadly, he never had the chance to see his mother as she passed away shortly after his birth due to birth complications. During that challenging period, many of his family relatives also passed away, leaving him and his cousins to be raised by their grandmother.

Moreotlhe described his grandmother as a loving and remarkable individual who made him feel the absence of his parents less keenly, except on school days when he had to write a composition about his mother.