11 supporters of South African ruling party killed in traffic accident

Eleven supporters of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) were killed on Sunday when the bus they were travelling in overturned, authorities said.

The supporters were returning home to Ekurhuleni in Gauteng Province after attending the launch of the ANC's local election manifesto in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province.

The bus overturned between Winburg and Ventersburg in Free State Province, police said.

The ANC said in a statement that it has learnt with sadness of the fatal accident.

The ANC is still clarifying details about the accident and will issue further details once all pertinent information has been verified, the party's national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said.

"Our thoughts are with the injured and bereaved at this time," he said.

Meanwhile, Free State Premier Ace Magashule pledged to do everything in his power to ensure road safety following the accident.

"We shall do everything in our power to ensure that our roads are safe and that lives are continually saved," Magashule said.

The cause of the accident is under investigation, police said.

The ANC launched its local election manifesto on Saturday. The elections are scheduled for August 3.

Source: XINHUA