By Tichaona Katsvamutima
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to Zimbabwe following the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, which has claimed 46 lives as authorities continue recovery efforts.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the South African government said Ramaphosa conveyed his “deep condolences” to the Zimbabwean Government and people following the loss of life in the tragedy.
“On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his deep condolences to the Government and people of Zimbabwe following the extensive loss of life in a tragedy on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe,” the statement said.
Ramaphosa said South Africans stood in solidarity with Zimbabwe as families mourned their loved ones.
“As South Africans, we stand in solidarity today with the nation of Zimbabwe as we mourn this extensive loss of life,” he said.
“We wish survivors a speedy recovery and we pay tribute to the emergency services who are working tirelessly to support and bring closure to affected families and communities.”
The ferry, Mbuya Nehanda, operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), capsized on Tuesday, August 11, while travelling from Kariba towards communities and fishing camps on Lake Kariba.
The vessel was designed to carry 90 passengers, but reports indicate that about 153 people, including children and crew members, may have been aboard when it overturned in rough conditions. At least 77 people have been rescued, while search and recovery operations have continued.
The disaster has raised serious questions about passenger safety and compliance with capacity regulations. Survivors have reported that passengers warned the crew about worsening weather and dangerous waves before the vessel capsized.
Zimbabwean authorities have declared the disaster a State of Disaster, allowing Government to mobilise additional resources for rescue, recovery and support for affected families.
Police have so far released the names of 44 of the 46 people confirmed dead after their remains were formally identified by relatives. The victims include adults and children, with the youngest identified victim reportedly aged just one year.
The tragedy has triggered widespread mourning in Zimbabwe, with families and officials gathering in Kariba to pay tribute to the victims. It has also prompted renewed scrutiny of maritime safety standards and the condition and capacity of passenger vessels operating on Lake Kariba.
Lake Kariba, which straddles Zimbabwe and Zambia, is a critical transport route for communities living along its shores, many of whom depend on water transport to access Kariba town and other services.
The disaster is among Zimbabwe’s deadliest recent maritime tragedies and has drawn condolences from across the region as recovery operations continue.
