Driver complained of faulty bus brakes

Bus driver Colin Payle suffered from diabetes and was enjoying his retirement when he was asked to get behind the wheel again.

He returned to work in July, a familiar face in the bus that took local children to school.

But the journey to Rheenendal Primary School on Wednesday was to be his last.

There were no feelings of resentment or blame towards Payle in Rheenendal this week.

In Payle's home, fronted by a neat bed of roses and lilies, his wife, Daphne, held a Bible in her hands. She was exhausted, but at peace. "It was his time to go. It was God's want," said the 63-year-old widow.

She said her husband had complained about the condition of the bus brakes days before the accident.

Members of the community described the 65-year-old as a "role model" and a churchgoing man of sober habits. He was eager to enjoy retirement, said fellow bus driver Johannes Lourens.

"My heart is aching. Oom Taan was so old and ill. It's a big responsibility to drive that bus. The children make a noise and are rowdy," said Lourens.

Payle's son-in-law, Johannes Kiewiets, said: "His passing has left a huge gap in our family."

Kiewiets is related to two children who died in the crash. His brother, Johnny, lost two children in the tragedy, son Marko, 10, and daughter Jorina, 7.

In a small settlement in Goudveld Forest in the Garden Route National Park, Jorika Kiewiets, 7, sat on a blanket outside the family's modest wooden cabin.

Her twin sister was among the victims. "My sister was lying dead there in the water. If it wasn't for someone that took my hand, I don't know what would have happened," said Jorika. "Now they are gone."

Payle was also the uncle of Pauline Fiegeland, who lost three children, Maurisha, 15, Andre, 12, and Felicity, 10.

Payle had retired from the African Express bus company owing to ill health in February.