KARIBA, Aug. 28 (NewsDay Live) — A plan to raise money to reward divers who recovered bodies from the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster has divided the Kariba community, with bereaved families and residents arguing that the initiative is premature while organisers insist the rescuers deserve recognition.
The ferry sank on Lake Kariba on Aug. 11, killing 97 people. Army, police and private divers were involved in the recovery operation, working underwater to retrieve bodies.
A community committee led by chairperson Mabhena and treasurer Nesbeth Mapfumo has begun collecting donations to “appreciate” the divers.
“They were the first people to recover the bodies. They deserve a token,” one resident said in a community WhatsApp group.
However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from some bereaved families and residents, who say the community should prioritise those directly affected by the disaster.
“It is far too early to organise appreciation events. Our tears are still fresh, our homes are empty,” another resident wrote.
“Please do not capitalise on our pain while our families are still grieving. The Tonga people deserve dignity and privacy.”
Communities under Chief Mola were among the worst affected by the disaster. Some residents say they have continued to feel sidelined, particularly after government officials held several meetings and a memorial service for 44 of the victims in the days following the tragedy.
They fear the fundraising initiative could divert attention from appeals for assistance to bereaved families and communities in the rural areas most affected by the disaster.
A senior community member also opposed the initiative, citing concerns over its timing and ethics.
“I acknowledge the good intentions behind the proposal, but it has been barely two weeks since the tragedy occurred, and many families are still grieving and preparing to lay their loved ones to rest,” the community member said.
“Offering private monetary tokens for official rescue duties risks diminishing their selfless sacrifice into a transactional act.”
The resident suggested that the divers instead be formally recognised through letters of commendation to their respective commanders.
Others questioned whether the money being raised should instead go towards supporting survivors and bereaved families.
“Appreciation will bring division. Some will get a better portion than others,” said one resident.
“Think of someone who lost everything in the water and has no transport now. That is where help is needed.”
Another resident added: “When the ministers came, they met business people. They did not meet the people whose lives depended on that boat. It’s a mess.”
Calls for wider support
Community member Model Pamire said both the bereaved families and the divers required support, but in different ways.
“Families need long-term support, including counselling, income and transport. Divers need health checks and trauma support after handling bodies in difficult conditions,” Pamire said.
Some residents also called for local fishing communities to be trained as first responders to improve preparedness for future emergencies.
However, not everyone supports calls to abandon the fundraising drive.
One community member said the needs of the bereaved and the divers could be addressed simultaneously.
“I second the idea. We have victims who are in dire need of financial and emotional support. These people in question are already on payroll. The bereaved are desperate, devastated and traumatised, which calls for immediate prioritisation while simultaneously appreciating the rescue crew’s unmatched bravery,” the resident said.
Organisers defend drive
Organisers have defended the initiative, saying participation is voluntary and that the proposal was developed with input from different sections of the Kariba community, including businesspeople.
“The idea is really good. It includes business people, among others, who were there to craft this,” a member of the organising committee said in the group.
“Your donation will be in safe hands.”
Government has pledged to replace the ferry and provide support to affected traders.
For now, the committee says donations remain open, although no fundraising target has been announced.
For many in Kariba, however, the debate reflects a deeper divide over how the community should respond to a tragedy whose wounds remain painfully fresh.
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