By Patience Gondo
The Government has taken full responsibility of financial and logistical support to families affected by the DNC Coaches bus tragedy on South Africa’s N1 highway near Makhado on October 12 2025 where 36 Zimbabweans died and 12 others hospitalised.
The accident claimed six children and some Malawi nationals.
Speaking at a memorial service at Doves Funeral Parlour in Beitbridge on Friday the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe said the government funded the repatriation of all deceased, medical bills and welfare costs for bereaved families.
Garwe, who also chairs the Cabinet Committee on Environment, Disaster Prevention and Management, said President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the tragedy a State of Disaster to allow government agencies to mobilise emergency resources quickly and provide coordinated support to victims’ families.
“The Government of Zimbabwe made an undertaking to cater for all costs for the repatriation of the deceased and payment of medical bills for the injured,” Garwe said.
“Temporary accommodation for victims discharged from hospital is also being provided by the Zimbabwean Consulate.”
Garwe said the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe was assisting with the coverage of medical and repatriation expenses, while several private and community organisations had stepped forward with donations in cash and kind.
Among those recognised for their contributions were Nyaradzo Funeral Services, which donated R10,000 towards bereaved families’ welfare and Mahlasedi Foundation of Makhado, which provided food hampers for survivors.
Other donations included food, water, vegetables, and cash contributions from individuals, local authorities, Beitbridge council and companies in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Beitbridge residents, including Senator Tambudzani Mohadi, made cash donations mentioned by Garwe.
“In times of such national grief, we are reminded of the importance of unity, compassion and responsible conduct on our roads,” Garwe said.
He expressed deep gratitude to the Government of South Africa for its swift and compassionate response, which included emergency medical services, forensic and DNA identification, psychosocial counselling, and logistical coordination for affected families.
Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba said soon after the desaster that happened on a mountain slope outside Louis Tritchadt near Ingwe Lodge, emergency resources were mobilised to first preserve lives and then secure the deceased.
He praised the South African Police Service and Zimbabwe Republic Police for their collaboration in post mortem and fingerprint identification processes, as well as the deployment of clinical psychologists and social workers to support survivors and the bereaved.
“We are grateful for the Republic of South Africa’s compassion and commitment in responding to this disaster,” Garwe said.
“Your support ensured that the deceased received dignity and the families received the care they needed.”
Garwe also praised the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for their coordination efforts, including facilitating accommodation, food, and transport arrangements for families who travelled to identify their relatives’ remains at Siloam Hospital and Thohoyandou mortuaries.
The District Development Coordinator’s office at Beitbridge also played a link role.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace and may the families find comfort and strength in this difficult time,” Garwe said.
After his speech in front of the coffins of the deceased paraded in between him and relatives of the departed, Garwe stepped out to shake hands with each relative, the Zimbabwean culture in mourning.
His gesture drew emotions and streams of tears could be seen on many relatives and officials faces as Garwe from relative to another.
“This is a difficult time, this is indeed painful, touching and personally I am touched,” Beitbridge Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola said.
He was among the many many Beitbridge residents who attended the moving function, the second after a disaster to be held at Beitbridge.
His council and the Beitbridge Rural District Council were among many organisations that included the Zimbabwe Republic Police, which assisted caring for relatives of the deceased during the long time they spent while procedures took place.
“We are the face of Zimbabwe and it is important for us to be here. We are a community with other Zimbabweans, we belong to the mourners as a local authority in their route,” said Ramakgapola.
Beitbridge West Member of Parliament Thusani Ndou , Beitbridge Urban councillors, Beitbridge civil servants, Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa and the community of Beitbridge in general gathered to bid farewell to the departed at the forecourt of Doves Funeral parlour where 29 hearses were parked.