By Staff Reporter
The streets of Senga and Matongo in Gweru are usually filled with the high-pitched laughter of children making their way home from school. But this week, a heavy silence has replaced the usual afternoon chatter. Last Wednesday, that routine walk home turned into tragedy when a commuter omnibus caught fire, claiming the lives of seven young learners before they could reach the safety of their homes.
In the wake of a tragedy so profound that it was declared a national disaster by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Gweru community has been grappling with one painful question: How do we carry on?
For many, the answer is being found in community support and in simply being present for those who are grieving.
Yesterday, the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube, represented by Assistant District Development Coordinator Rudo Chimanyiwa, visited the seven bereaved families. Accompanying her was a team from River Valley Group (RVG), which provided assistance to support funeral arrangements.
For Ambassador Smelly Dube, the CEO of River Valley Group, the tragedy was deeply personal.
“I am a neighbour to this school as I live in this constituency,” Amb Dube said. “I was devastated when I heard about this unfortunate incident. I could not even watch the videos of the grieving mothers because they were too disturbing.”
She said the decision to assist came from witnessing the impact of the loss on families within her community.
RVG provided food supplies and fuel to ease some of the immediate practical needs facing the affected households.
As officials moved from home to home conveying messages of condolence, the focus remained on ensuring families felt supported during a difficult period.
“The government stands with you in this very difficult moment,” Chimanyiwa told the families. “Several stakeholders have pledged support. That is why we are here together, because in times of disaster communities must stand with one another.”
The atmosphere at the homes reflected both grief and quiet dignity. Families received the supplies, practical support intended to assist during funeral preparations.
One of the most emotional moments came from a father who had lost his young son in the fire.
“The pain of losing a child is unbearable,” he said quietly. “But through your emotional and material support, we see light in this hour of darkness. It comforts us to know that we are not alone.”
As Gweru prepares to lay the seven children to rest, the impact of the tragedy will remain with many families and residents.
Yet amid the grief, moments of support from neighbours, government representatives and others in the community have offered some comfort to those left behind.
