Witness to Hartbeespoort Dam Ferry Fire Tragedy Describes Selflessness of Rescuers

Following the tragic ferry fire on Hartbeespoort Dam north of Pretoria in South Africa, the following message from Mamare Moiloa has gone viral:

“Events in my hometown today confirmed my beliefs wrt (with regards to) what is called racism.

“I can confirm that majority of ZAR population are not racists, whether white or non white.

“What we interpret as racism is actually power, greed and entitlement.

“I watched helplessly, with horror, from my balcony when this boat caught fire. I knew it was party goers, mainly from the black community.

“The community around the dam, mainly white people, saw disaster and all those with boats, unselfishly, with the love of fellow human beings, without a second thought, rushed to rescue passengers of the boat. All but four (as per newspapers) survived.

“It just happened that my sister and her friends were in the boat. They all described the selfless, genuine rescue from communities around the dam.

“Compatriots, ZAR is a beautiful and loving country.

“My plea is that we redefine racism. It is a hostile word full of hatred that is perpetrated by a few people who think they are powerful, those with greed and entitlement beliefs.

“Majority are just loving compassionate compatriots.

“Together, we can isolate the negative elements.

“I love my MZANZI. DA Best?”

President Jacob Zuma has conveyed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of the four women after the ferry caught fire on Saturday, 19 November 2016.

One of the woman died after being trapped in the toilet during the fire; and the other three drowned, apparently after the rescue boat they were in was overloaded and capsized, according to initial investigations by SA Maritime Safety Authority.

Police and SAMSA are investigating the cause of the fire. Stories from witnesses, speaking to local media, have ranged from blaming a cigarette being dropped on the deck to an electrical fault in the kitchen. 

Between 150 and 200 passengers were on board the cruise. Most were reportedly employees of Tiger Brands who were having their end of year party.

President Zuma said: “It’s sad that people who came together to promote good working relations at their place of employment met their end in such a tragic manner.

“We convey our heartfelt condolences to families and relatives of the victims. Our prayers and thoughts are with them in this difficult period. May their souls rest in peace.”

President Zuma has also wished all injured passengers a speedy recovery.