Tuesday, September 28, 1999 Published at 10:06 GMT 11:06 UK
South Africa's deadly roads
The crash happened on a narrow, steep road
South African political leaders have criticised road safety in the country following the bus crash that killed 26 British holidaymakers and a tour guide.
Their call came just hours before another crash left 21 people injured - 19 of them seriously - when a bus left the road and crashed into a river in Eastern Province.
"I think we do have a problem with regulation," said Jeremy Cronin, chairman of Parliament's transport committee.
"Figures suggest 8,000 traffic officer posts are currently vacant," he said.
Paul Swart, a spokesman for the opposition Democratic Party, called for improved policing, more frequent roadworthy tests and limiting the number of hours bus drivers spend at the wheel.
"It is clear urgent action is needed," he said.
The spate of deaths began last Saturday when 15 people were killed when a bus went off a highway in foggy weather and crashed into a tree at Kokstad, a town in KwaZulu-Natal province in eastern South Africa,
Monday's crash happened on steep, narrow and unmarked Long Tom Pass near Lydenburg, a popular stop in South Africa's Mpumalanga province.
The South African Government has vowed to halt the deaths and transport minister Dullah Omar is planning to meet with bus company representatives on Thursday.
A spokesman said: "Mr Omar was shocked by the news and a meeting with the country's bus operators is now a priority.
"The minister wants to see what precisely needs to be done to bring down the high rate of accidents."
The government has already launched an "Arrive Alive" ad campaign, urging drivers to avoid speeding and to stop and rest when they are sleepy.