PRESS STATEMENT
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) stands in solidarity with the families, children and communities devastated by the Lake Kariba ferry disaster.
The Union extends its deepest condolences to every family that has lost a loved one. We mourn with Kariba and with every community whose life has been permanently changed by this tragedy. The reported loss of about 84 lives, including children, is not just statistics. These were parents, children, teachers, learners, workers and members of communities whose lives mattered. But mourning must not mean silence.This tragedy must force Zimbabwe to confront the condition of public infrastructure and the systems responsible for protecting ordinary citizens.
Questions may be asked about the condition and capacity of the vessel, safety regulations, passenger limits, regulatory oversight, emergency preparedness but the overall response to the disaster is our 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.
The responsible authorities should and must account for the impact of this tragedy on affected l families and provide the necessary support.Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe is equally concerned by reports surrounding the Government’s response to the affected communities. 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.
We further call 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
NATIONAL CITIZENS’ DAY OF MOURNING: ARTUZ therefore declares Friday, 21 August a National Citizens’ Day of Mourning in honour of the victims of the Kariba disaster.We call upon citizens across Zimbabwe teachers, workers, students, churches, civil society organisations and communities to participate peacefully by:
1. Lighting candles in remembrance of the departed.
2. Wearing black in solidarity with the bereaved.
3. Carrying peaceful placards demanding accountability and safer public infrastructure.
4. Gather in groups and observe a moment of silence for the victims.
5.Praying This is a citizens’ day of mourning, remembrance and reflection.
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.
Serving Our Nation, Saving Our Profession & Livelihoods. Issued by:
📞 ARTUZ Information Department📧 ruraltrsunion@gmail.com📞 +263777473135 / +263776129336 / +263775643192
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