Rural Teachers Union Declares 21 August National Day Of Mourning For Mbuya Nehanda Boat Victims

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has declared Friday, 21 August, a National Citizens’ Day of Mourning in honour of the victims of the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, which has claimed 84 lives.

ARTUZ President Obert Masaraure on Monday, 17 August, said the union stands in solidarity with the families, children and communities devastated by the tragedy.

“These were parents, children, teachers, learners, workers and members of communities whose lives mattered. But mourning must not mean silence,” he said.

Masaraure said the tragedy must force Zimbabwe to confront the condition of public infrastructure and the systems responsible for protecting ordinary citizens.

He said questions must be asked about the condition and capacity of the vessel, safety regulations, passenger limits, regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness, adding that the overall response to the disaster is reflective of the current government “under the incapable leadership.”

“The people of Zimbabwe deserve safe transport. Our communities deserve functional infrastructure and most importantly the people deserve a State that protects them. The people cannot remain silent when children perish while accessing basic services and opportunities,” said Masaraure.

He said the responsible authorities should and must account for the impact of the tragedy on affected families and provide the necessary support.

ARTUZ said it was equally concerned by reports surrounding Government’s response to the affected communities, saying at a time when families are grieving and communities are traumatised, symbolic gestures and limited assistance cannot substitute for meaningful intervention, accountability and long-term solutions.

“Our people deserve more than condolences. They deserve action,” Masaraure said.

He called upon Government to urgently upgrade transport and public infrastructure serving remote communities.

“No community should be forced to risk its people’s lives simply because of inadequate infrastructure. The response to this disaster must not be measured by official visits or statements. It must be measured by whether meaningful steps are taken to prevent these losses,” he said.

As part of the National Citizens’ Day of Mourning, ARTUZ has called on citizens across Zimbabwe, including teachers, workers, students, churches, civil society organisations and local communities, to participate peacefully by lighting candles in remembrance of the departed, wearing black in solidarity with the bereaved, carrying placards demanding accountability and safer public infrastructure, gathering to observe a moment of silence for the victims, and praying.

“This is a citizens’ day of mourning, remembrance and reflection,” Masaraure said. “We call upon everyone to participate peacefully and respectfully while honouring the families who have lost their loved ones. Kariba must not become another forgotten tragedy.”

“We demand a State that values every life,” he said.

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