Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed the Doves Funeral Parlour in Beitbridge yesterday as a Zimbabwean woman came home for the last time.
Lucia Nhangwaza (42) died after collapsing on July 14 on the South African side of the Beitbridge Border Post.
She was among scores of Zimbabweans being repatriated amid anti-migrant tensions in South Africa, making her way back to her family in Chegutu.
She could not complete the journey in life, but the Government made sure her remains reached her home town.
Through the Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa and Department of Civil Protection, the Government took over all the expenses.
Transport, a coffin, groceries for the bereaved family, and all related costs were covered.
Today, Lucia Nhangwaza will be laid to rest in Chegutu, among her people.
The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, led an emotional memorial service at Doves, where relatives travelled through the night, and members of the Beitbridge community filled the benches, and church leaders, civic leaders and representatives from various stakeholders sat shoulder to shoulder.
The air was heavy, not just with grief, but with the kind of collective care we are known for when one of our own is hurting.
“It is with profound sadness that we gather here today to pay our final respects to the late Ms Lucia Nhangwaza, a daughter of Zimbabwe whose life was tragically cut short during the process of returning home from the Republic of South Africa,” said Minister Moyo while addressing mourners.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde ED Mnangagwa, the Government of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Nhangwaza family, relatives and friends on this painful loss. No words can adequately ease the grief that accompanies the loss of a beloved one, particularly under such unfortunate circumstances.”
The minister said the Government remained committed to ensuring the safe, orderly and dignified return of Zimbabweans affected by the situation in South Africa.
Minister Moyo said in keeping with this commitment, the Government had also extended State assistance towards funeral and burial arrangements and provided grocery support to the bereaved Nhangwaza family.
“To the Nhangwaza family, I wish to assure you that Government stands with you during this difficult period of mourning. We share in your grief and pray that you draw strength and comfort from God, your relatives, friends and the wider community gathered here today,” he said.
Before attending the funeral service, Minister Moyo also visited the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre to carry out an oversight role and engage with State and non-State actors on areas of mutual interest.
“It is both an honour and a solemn responsibility to stand before you today at the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre,” he told staff, partners and returnees gathered there.
“This centre represents not only a physical space of refuge, but also a symbol of our collective commitment to dignity, compassion, and solidarity with our fellow citizens returning home.”
