By Kariba Correspondent
Lake Kariba has been declared cleansed following a traditional ceremony held in the wake of the August 11 Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster that claimed 97 lives.
Chief Mola led the proceedings alongside other traditional leaders, including Chief Nebiri and Chief Sinakatenge, as communities around the lake continue to come to terms with one of the deadliest tragedies in the area in recent years.
The ceremony, held today between 5am and 9am, involved traditional rites aimed at restoring spiritual and cultural harmony to the lake following the loss of life.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, the traditional leaders declared Lake Kariba cleansed, marking a significant cultural moment for communities whose history, livelihoods and traditions are closely tied to the lake and the Zambezi Valley.
The ceremony comes nearly two months after the Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on Lake Kariba on August 11, killing 97 passengers and leaving families and communities devastated.
Chief Mola and other traditional leaders were also taken on a tour of the newly launched Silverstone ferry, which is expected to begin operating on the Kariba–Chalala route.
“As chiefs, we are happy with the boat. Now it will be up to individuals to make their own decisions, but as chiefs, we are satisfied with what we have seen,” Chief Mola said.
The Silverstone ferry has a maximum carrying capacity of 60 passengers, including children, and is expected to provide another transport option for communities travelling between Kariba and Chalala.
While the cleansing marks an important traditional milestone, the impact of the August disaster continues to be felt by families who lost relatives and communities still recovering from the tragedy.
