Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the Government and people of Zimbabwe following the deaths of 44 people in a ferry tragedy on Lake Kariba.
The ferry capsized on 11 August 2026, killing 44 people and leaving survivors and families awaiting the outcome of ongoing search operations.
In a statement on Thursday, the Presidency said Ramaphosa offered his sympathies to the families of those who died and expressed his support for survivors of the tragedy.
On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President @CyrilRamaphosa extends his deep condolences to the Government and people of Zimbabwe following the extensive loss of life in a tragedy on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. https://t.co/BE4mvH5k1y
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 13, 2026
Ramaphosa said South Africa stood with Zimbabwe as the country mourns the loss of life.
“As South Africans, we stand in solidarity today with the nation of Zimbabwe as we mourn this extensive loss of life,” Ramaphosa said.
“We wish survivors a speedy recovery and we pay tribute to the emergency services who are working tirelessly to support and bring closure to affected families and communities,” he added.
The President also expressed his thoughts to families waiting for updates from the continuing search operations.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa conveyed the condolences on behalf of the South African government and people.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
