NDWG Mourns Sibotshiwe Sibanda; Repatriation Plans Underway

The NDWG is finalising arrangements to repatriate the body of civic activist Sibotshiwe Sibanda from South Africa for burial in Bulawayo following her sudden death on 6 January 2026 (image source)

HARARE — Arrangements are being finalised to repatriate and bury civic society activist Sibotshiwe Sibanda, who died in South Africa on her birthday, 6 January 2026, the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) announced.

NDWG leader Job Sikhala said logistics and paperwork for the return of Sibanda’s body would be completed on Monday, after which she will be taken to Bulawayo for burial. The organisation estimates the repatriation will cost about R30,000, and members are mobilising funds to meet the expense.

Sikhala described the death as sudden and deeply shocking. “This horrible news has pierced the hearts of NDWG members. No one expected such a sudden death as she was not sick or suffering from any ailments,” he said, recalling Sibanda’s visit to the NDWG leadership in South Africa on 28 December 2025 as a day of laughter and strategy.

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He paid tribute to Sibanda’s activism, calling her a “courageous leader, a woman of steel” and a committed democracy fighter. Sikhala said she would be remembered as a heroine of unmatched dedication to Zimbabwe’s democratic struggle and pledged the NDWG’s support to her family during the mourning period.

The NDWG also noted the recent passing of another leader, Madade Ndlovu, who died suddenly on 8 November 2025, and urged supporters to contribute to repatriation and funeral arrangements as a mark of respect for Sibanda’s legacy.