Lake Kariba Cleansing Ceremony Set for October After Ferry Disaster

By Staff Reporter | Kariba

Preparations are underway for a traditional cleansing ceremony at Lake Kariba following the August ferry disaster that claimed 97 lives, with traditional beer already being brewed ahead of the October rites. Chief Mola, born Champion Rare, said traditional leaders had received approval from government officials to proceed with the ceremony, which is intended to appease the spirits following the loss of life on the lake.

The ceremony follows the 11 August 2026 capsizing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA)-operated Mbuya Nehanda ferry while travelling from Kariba towards Chalala Fishing Camp.

Government investigations found that the vessel was carrying about 180 passengers and goods, substantially above its authorised capacity of 90 passengers. The disaster claimed 97 lives, while 77 people were rescued. The tragedy has been described by Zimbabwean authorities and media reports as the country's deadliest maritime disaster.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a State of Disaster as search and recovery operations continued, while authorities launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The State has subsequently alleged that administrative failures, overloading and breaches of operational safety procedures contributed to the disaster. A RIDA district official, Ignatius Chiome, was arrested and appeared in court facing a culpable homicide charge arising from the tragedy. The allegations remain before the courts.

Traditional rites

Chief Mola said preparations for the traditional ceremony were already at an advanced stage, with traditional beer being brewed.

“The traditional beer for the ceremony is being brewed,” he said.

He said discussions were also underway with the District Development Coordinator's office to ensure that the lake would be kept clear of boats during the ceremony.

“We are engaging the District Development Coordinator's office to ensure that on that day there will be no boats on the lake so that the process can be conducted peacefully and without lights on the lake,” Chief Mola said. Chief Mola is expected to lead the rites together with Chief Nebiri, whom he described as his nephew, with other traditional leaders from the Kariba area also participating.

According to the plans outlined by Chief Mola, the ceremony will begin at Chalala, at the sacred site of Siamavu overlooking Lake Kariba, before moving to Kariba town for an overnight ceremony extending into the following morning. The planned rites add a traditional dimension to the response to the disaster, alongside the ongoing legal and official processes surrounding the ferry's sinking.

Lake Kariba has long held cultural and spiritual significance for communities living around the Zambezi Valley. Traditional ceremonies involving the lake and its surrounding communities have previously been documented, including rain-making and bira ceremonies led by traditional leaders in the Kariba area.

Communities affected

The ferry disaster also disrupted the livelihoods of communities dependent on the Kariba-Chalala water route. Fishing communities and settlements along the route rely on water transport to move people, fish, food, ice and other supplies. The loss of the ferry therefore created challenges extending beyond the immediate tragedy. However, the transport situation has begun to improve.

The government on 18 September 2026 launched the privately owned MV Silverstone, operated by Most High Ferries, to restore passenger and commercial services along the Kariba-Chalala route. The vessel has a certified capacity of 60 passengers and four crew members and is equipped with two tender boats for emergency response. The new service is expected to reconnect Kariba town with rural communities and fishing areas that depend on the lake for transport and trade.

The October cleansing ceremony is therefore expected to take place as communities continue to mourn the 97 people who died while authorities pursue investigations into the causes and circumstances of Zimbabwe's worst recorded maritime disaster.

Lake Kariba cleansing ceremony