Seke road tragedy exposes Zimbabwe’s crisis of governance, public service neglect
CHITUNGWIZA – A devastating traffic accident on Seke Road on Tuesday, which claimed the lives of 17 individuals, including a young learner, has exposed the dire situation of Zimbabwe’s roads, its emergency response capabilities, and the overall state of public services in the country.
The accident, involving a commuter omnibus and a 30-tonne haulage truck near Hunyani Bridge, has since been declared a national disaster by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, prompting state support for affected families.
The incident has brought to the forefront critical questions about government priorities, resource allocation, and the overall capacity of state institutions to safeguard its citizens.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has expressed sorrow and declared Friday, July 24, 2025, a “Black Friday” in remembrance of the victims.
ARTUZ highlighted the death of a child traveling to school as a stark indicator of the “widening education crisis” and “persistent inequality and chronic underinvestment” in the education system, forcing children to undertake perilous journeys for schooling.
“The tragic loss of a learner underscores the widening education crisis in Zimbabwe. That a child must travel dangerous distances to access schooling highlights the persistent inequality and chronic underinvestment in our education system.
“Zengeza, like many areas across Zimbabwe, remains underserved, forcing children to seek education far from home at great personal risk,” ARTUZ stated.
Beyond education, ARTUZ’s statement also raised concerns regarding the country’s emergency response services.
“We are equally concerned by the poor state of Zimbabwe’s emergency response services. It is disheartening that lives that could have been saved were lost due to the lack of investment in life-saving infrastructure.
“Our government continues to spend heavily on tools of repression, while neglecting systems that preserve and protect life,” the organisation stated.
Echoing these sentiments, former Finance Minister Tendai Biti characterised the accident as an exposé of “State Failure, misaligned priorities, corruption and leadership collapse.”
Biti noted: “The tragic Seke road accident brings to the fore the stark realities of State Failure, misaligned priorities, corruption and leadership collapse.
“The absence of adequate Disaster Response Mechanisms exposes a rotten vacuous leadership that exists in its own artificial reality”
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa also conveyed his deep sadness and condolences, emphasising the “painful moment for our nation.”
While extending gratitude to first responders, he highlighted the challenging conditions under which they operate.
“This is a painful moment for our nation, and we mourn together. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may comfort and strength surround every grieving family.
“We must continue to work toward safer roads and a more compassionate society where every life is valued and protected.
“We are praying for all those injured and affected, and we stand with you in this time of grief.
“We also extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders, emergency services, and the dedicated hospital staff who continue to serve tirelessly, even under the most difficult and almost impossible conditions,” Chamisa noted.
In response to the tragedy, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe on Wednesday announced the national disaster declaration and assured the public of ongoing investigations into the cause of the accident.
He stated that measures would be implemented to prevent similar future incidents. The government is also coordinating funeral arrangements and providing counseling and psychosocial support services to the grieving families.
