Tinotenda Hove- While families of 97 people who drowned after an overloaded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba are still demanding answers and compensation, authorities are now brewing traditional beer for a cleansing ceremony.

Chief Mola, born Champion Rare, said preparations for the rites set for October are at an advanced stage after government gave traditional leaders permission to proceed.

The ritual follows the 11 August 2026 sinking of the RIDA-operated Mbuya Nehanda which was sailing from Kariba to Chalala when it overturned near Long Island after being hit by strong waves.

The vessel was reportedly carrying around 180 passengers and goods, double its official capacity of 90.

At least 97 people, including 18 children, died in what has become Zimbabwe’s deadliest transport disaster. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a State of Disaster and government announced an inquest.

Instead of updates on prosecutions or compensation, Chief Mola said the focus is now on appeasing spirits.

“The traditional beer for the ceremony is being brewed. We are engaging the District Development Coordinator’s office to ensure that on that day there will be no boats on the lake so that the process can be conducted peacefully and without lights on the lake,” he said.

He said he will lead the ceremony together with Chief Nebiri, whom he described as his nephew, supported by other Kariba chiefs. The process will start at Chalala at the sacred site of Siamavu overlooking the lake before shifting to Kariba town for an all-night ceremony.

Meanwhile lakeside communities remain stranded. Fishing camps and remote villages that used the ferry as their lifeline for food, goods and access to Kariba and Harare are still cut off. Fishermen, traders and small businesses have suffered huge losses, with tourism disrupted during the lengthy search and recovery.

Even a replacement service that was meant to restore connectivity, operated by Silverstone Ferry owned by Most High Ferries to link Kariba town with fishing communities and island villages, has been delayed until after the traditional rites are completed.