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Sikhala outfit organises repatriation, burial for late activist
5 hrs ago |
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Arrangements are underway to repatriate and bury the late civic society activist Sibotshiwe Sibanda, who passed away in South Africa on her birthday, January 6, four days ago. The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) announced her death on January 7, noting that Sibanda served as their Women Movement President.
NDWG leader Job Sikhala confirmed that logistics for the body's return to Zimbabwe are being finalised. "We are still organising logistics for the repatriation of the body. The paperwork is going to be completed on Monday and as soon as it is done, we will take her to Bulawayo for burial," said Sikhala.
Members of the organisation said approximately R30,000 is required to fund the repatriation. Sikhala described Sibanda's 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. He also drew attention to the recent passing of another leader, Democrat Madade Ndlovu, who died under similar sudden circumstances on November 8, 2025.
Sikhala shared personal memories of Sibanda, noting that she had visited him and the NDWG leadership in South Africa on December 28, 2025, in what he described as a day filled with laughter and strategising. He praised Sibanda as a "courageous leader, a woman of steel, fearless to the definition of the word and a democracy fighter whose dedication to the freedom of the masses of our people was beyond question."
Sikhala said Sibanda would be remembered as a heroine of unmatched dedication in Zimbabwe's democratic struggle. "She was a rare breed of solid leadership among the rank and file of the NDWG family and Zimbabwe at large. We mourn with the Sibanda family, and the NDWG family will be with them throughout this sad moment," he added.
The NDWG continues to mobilise support for her repatriation and funeral, emphasising the importance of honouring the legacy of one of Zimbabwe's prominent democratic activists.
NDWG leader Job Sikhala confirmed that logistics for the body's return to Zimbabwe are being finalised. "We are still organising logistics for the repatriation of the body. The paperwork is going to be completed on Monday and as soon as it is done, we will take her to Bulawayo for burial," said Sikhala.
Members of the organisation said approximately R30,000 is required to fund the repatriation. Sikhala described Sibanda's 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. He also drew attention to the recent passing of another leader, Democrat Madade Ndlovu, who died under similar sudden circumstances on November 8, 2025.
Sikhala shared personal memories of Sibanda, noting that she had visited him and the NDWG leadership in South Africa on December 28, 2025, in what he described as a day filled with laughter and strategising. He praised Sibanda as a "courageous leader, a woman of steel, fearless to the definition of the word and a democracy fighter whose dedication to the freedom of the masses of our people was beyond question."
Sikhala said Sibanda would be remembered as a heroine of unmatched dedication in Zimbabwe's democratic struggle. "She was a rare breed of solid leadership among the rank and file of the NDWG family and Zimbabwe at large. We mourn with the Sibanda family, and the NDWG family will be with them throughout this sad moment," he added.
The NDWG continues to mobilise support for her repatriation and funeral, emphasising the importance of honouring the legacy of one of Zimbabwe's prominent democratic activists.
Source - online
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