A heartbreaking tragedy has struck Zimbabwe’s traditional arts community after three Dancers of the renowned Sekusile Sitshikitsha dance group were killed in a horrific road traffic accident along the Gweru-Bulawayo Highway on Sunday.
The group was travelling home to Matabeleland North Province after representing their region at the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival, which took place at the Mutare Showgrounds over the weekend. The event, which is a celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity through traditional music and dance, drew participants from all ten provinces of the country.
According to early reports, the group was involved in a collision involving a commuter vehicle they had hired to return home. Although several other members sustained injuries, they were described as non-life-threatening, and the injured dancers are currently recovering at home.
The loss of the three performers has cast a deep pall over the celebrations of the festival, turning what was meant to be a joyful occasion into a national mourning for the arts fraternity.
In a rare joint statement, Delta Corporation—the long-standing sponsor of the Chibuku Neshamwari Festival—the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA), expressed their deepest sorrow and support to the families affected and the broader dance community.
“This devastating loss has left an irreplaceable void in Zimbabwe’s artistic and cultural community. These dancers were not just performers; they were cultural ambassadors dedicated to preserving our traditions. We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased, and we stand in solidarity with the surviving members of Sekusile Sitshikitsha as they cope with this unimaginable tragedy,” the statement read.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said emergency services arrived swiftly, but the damage to the vehicle was extensive. The bodies of the three deceased were retrieved and later identified by fellow group members and family representatives. Their names are being withheld until next-of-kin are formally notified.
Tragedy Strikes Sekusile Sitshikitsha Dance Group: Three Dancers Killed in Road Accident
The group had given a spirited and widely praised performance at the Mutare Showgrounds, where thousands gathered to celebrate Zimbabwe’s cultural vibrancy. They performed the Sitshikitsha dance, a traditional Ndebele rhythm known for its powerful footwork, historical storytelling, and vibrant attire. Sekusile’s participation had been celebrated as a high point of the provincial showcase.
News of the accident spread quickly through social media, with artists, festival organisers, and community leaders posting tributes and expressing disbelief at the sudden loss.
“The Sekusile group always performed with such pride and energy. They were among the best in Matabeleland North, and they carried their province’s heritage with dignity. This is not only a loss to the region but to the entire nation,” said Mthokozisi Dube, a cultural events coordinator who worked with the group.
As funeral arrangements are being coordinated by community leaders and local government officials, there have also been calls for a nationwide moment of remembrance and the introduction of safer travel protocols for arts groups attending national events.
Zimbabwe’s traditional dance groups often operate under extremely limited resources, frequently relying on unroadworthy vehicles and tight travel schedules to make appearances at national festivals. Following this tragedy, the ZNTDA is reportedly planning to engage stakeholders to discuss improved welfare and safety for artists on the road.
“We can’t keep losing our cultural torchbearers in this way. If we value our heritage, we must also protect the lives of those who preserve it,” said ZNTDA director Enock Jongwe.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation is expected to release an official statement and may assist with funeral logistics. Provincial officials in Matabeleland North and Bulawayo have also pledged to support the affected families.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Festival has long been a beacon of Zimbabwean culture, bringing together dancers from across the country in a celebration of identity, heritage, and unity. But the joy of this year’s event has been sharply cut short by this tragedy.
Several fellow groups who participated in the festival have since dedicated their performances to the memory of the deceased dancers. Plans are also underway to hold candlelight vigils in Bulawayo and Hwange in remembrance.
As the nation mourns, the Sekusile Sitshikitsha dance group will be remembered not only for their talent but for their deep commitment to cultural preservation and the pride with which they represented their people.
Source- ZimEye
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