Minister Garwe during his address to the mourners
By Brenda Mazhambe
HARARE – A sombre atmosphere engulfed Doves Funeral Services Chapel yesterday as Government officials, diplomats, grieving families and mourners gathered for the repatriation ceremony of Malawian nationals who perished in the tragic Nyamapanda bus accident which claimed 17 lives.
The devastating road traffic accident, which occurred along the Harare-Nyamapanda highway, left the the two nations and the region in mourning, prompting renewed calls for road safety consciousness and collective responsibility among transport operators and motorists.
Leading the send-off ceremony on behalf of Government was the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon Daniel Garwe, who conveyed condolences from Government and reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional solidarity and compassion during times of tragedy.
Addressing mourners, Hon Garwe described the accident as a heartbreaking loss not only for the affected families, but for the entire Southern African region.
“Today we gather here with very heavy hearts following the unfortunate loss of lives in the Nyamapanda bus accident which claimed 17 precious souls.
This tragedy has touched not only Zimbabwe and Malawi, but the entire SADC region because we are one people bound together by history, culture and brotherhood,” said Hon Garwe.
“Government wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and to the people and Government of Malawi. We stand together in mourning and in solidarity during this painful period.”
Hon Garwe said the Second Republic under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa remains committed to ensuring that foreign nationals living, travelling or working in Zimbabwe are treated with dignity and humanity, particularly during times of distress.
“As Government, we deemed it necessary to ensure that our brothers and sisters are accorded a dignified send-off back to their homeland. This reflects the strong bilateral relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Malawi and the spirit of African unity which continues to guide us as nations,” he said.
He urged motorists and transport operators to exercise maximum caution on the country’s roads, saying many accidents can be prevented through responsible driving and strict adherence to road regulations.
“This tragic loss of life must serve as a reminder to all road users that safety on our roads is everyone’s responsibility. We continue to urge drivers to exercise caution, avoid speeding and prioritise the sanctity of human life at all times,” said Hon Garwe.
The Minister also commended funeral service providers, health personnel and various stakeholders who worked tirelessly to assist the bereaved families and facilitate the repatriation process.
“We would like to thank all stakeholders, including Doves Funeral Services, health officials, law enforcement agencies and the diplomatic community for working together to ensure that the repatriation process is carried out in a dignified and orderly manner,” he said.
The repatriation exercise highlighted the enduring relations between Zimbabwe and Malawi, with officials from both countries pledging continued cooperation and mutual support in times of tragedy and national mourning.
