The tragedy at the Jukskei River, which claimed the lives of 14 congregants who were swept away during a baptism ritual, sends a strong warning about water safety this festive season.
Yesterday, the search continued to possibly recover more bodies in the river where a storm hit while 33 congregants were performing a ritual at the stream along Corlett Drive, Johannesburg, on Saturday. The victims of the tragic disaster include children, with the youngest being an infant.
While it is unclear why the organisers of the ritual did not take extra precautions during the rainy season, this tragedy could have been avoided if common sense had prevailed on the part of those involved. To start with, there were repeated warnings of possible storms and rain issued by weather authorities.
Our hearts go out to the families of those who died and those who remain unaccounted for. At the same time, we call on the public to heed warnings to avert such tragedies.
It is not unusual during this period to see throngs of people descend on rivers, streams, dams and canals. What is becoming common is more incidents of drownings, either as a result of the inability to swim or being swept away by currents, resulting in the loss of life.
The public must take extra caution during this rainy season about decisions they take. Given the festive season is upon us and people have all types of events, activities and rituals planned, some of which involve water, it is always safer to be cautious rather than hasty.
Government public safety messages also need to be channelled to vulnerable communities to avert further loss of life. Just a week ago, Limpopo police told this newspaper that they were overwhelmed by increasing reports of drowning incidents.
Police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo said more than 20 people had drowned in less than two months, including 12-year-old Thabiso Madire from Praktiseer, who apparently jumped into the Tubatse River on November 23.
The death of the 14 people at the Jukskei River is a reminder that rivers, as inviting as they may be during hot and sunny days this festive season, can be treacherous and need to be approached with caution.
Each of us is responsible for our own personal safety and that of our children.
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