The family of 21-year-old Zenande Chiloane says they can finally begin the healing process after his body was recovered from the Crocodile River near Kamagugu Township in Mbombela.
Chiloane had been missing for nine days after the vehicle he was travelling in, together with two other occupants, plunged into the river last week.
The discovery of his body has brought a measure of relief to his family, who had held onto hope throughout the extensive search effort.
His grandfather, Mike Mogane, expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the family during the ordeal, saying the recovery of Zenande's body was nothing short of a miracle.
"The prayers of believers and of people across South Africa were answered. We prayed that the boy would be found, and God has done that miracle," Mogane said.
"In many cases, families never get to recover the bodies of their loved ones, but today we are grateful to God, to the SABC, and to the church community. People gathered there every day, doing everything they could to help us find him."
Authorities have not yet released further details surrounding the circumstances of the crash, while the family prepares to lay the young man to rest.