An Eswatini long-distance bus driver has tragically died while transporting Malawian nationals who had been deported from South Africa. Themba Ncongwane, aged 46, passed away while travelling through Zimbabwe after the bus he was helping drive had collected Malawian nationals being returned to their home country following deportations linked to South Africa’s protests against illegal foreigners.
The incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by transport workers tasked with moving deportees across vast distances spanning multiple countries, while also shedding light on the broader regional impact of South Africa’s recent anti-immigrant protests.
Bus Driver Dies During Deportation Journey
According to Times News of Eswatini, Ncongwane died while the bus was in Harare, Zimbabwe. His employer, Tiro Mpane, received a call on 11 July informing him that the veteran driver had died during the journey.
Mpane was asked to contact another driver, Emmanuel, who had been travelling with Ncongwane. When he called, the driver could only say it was Themba before asking what had happened. Ncongwane and his colleague had been transporting Malawian nationals back to Malawi after they were deported from South Africa.
Health Concerns Before Death
Before crossing the border, Ncongwane reportedly underwent the required medical checks and later went to rest in the back seat of the bus after complaining of problems with his eyes. When it was his turn to resume driving, his colleague attempted to wake him but found him unresponsive.
Although Ncongwane was employed by Mpane, he had temporarily been working for another transport company involved in repatriating foreign nationals to their countries of origin. His death has raised questions about the working conditions and health risks faced by drivers undertaking these long and stressful journeys.
Protests Impact Migrants Across Southern Africa
The tragedy comes as Southern Africa continues to grapple with the effects of anti-immigrant protests and deportations originating in South Africa. The recent protests have sparked concern across the region as thousands of migrants from neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini, have been affected by deportations and voluntary returns.
The protests, which were directed against illegal foreigners, have contributed to the return of thousands of migrants to neighbouring countries. Governments across the region are working to assist citizens affected by the unrest and deportation operations, but the situation remains challenging for many families caught in the crossfire.
Employer Pays Tribute to Dedicated Bus Driver
Speaking during Ncongwane’s funeral at Duze in Siphofaneni over the weekend, his employer Tiro Mpane described the late driver as more than an employee, saying he had played a crucial role in helping build his transport business.
“To me, Themba was not just an employee, but a friend and a brother. He contributed sound ideas that helped grow the company from strength to strength. There are few employees like Themba,” Mpane said.
He added that Ncongwane remained loyal during difficult periods within the company and was trusted to train new employees because of his calm and patient personality. His dedication to his work and his ability to mentor others made him an invaluable member of the team.
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Community Pays Final Respects
Business associates, family members, and friends attended the funeral, where members of the Mbabane Methodists Church Choir and the Manzini Choir joined mourners in paying their final respects. The presence of these community groups underscored the impact Ncongwane had on those around him and the respect he commanded within his community.
The funeral service was a somber occasion, with attendees reflecting on the life of a man who dedicated himself to his work and his family. His death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him and in the transport industry he served for many years.
Broader Implications for Regional Migration
Ncongwane’s death also underscores the pressures faced by transport workers tasked with moving deportees across vast distances that often span several countries. The risks associated with these journeys, including long hours, health complications, and the stress of managing deportees, are often overlooked in discussions about migration and deportation.
As Southern African countries continue to navigate the complexities of migration and regional relations, the human cost of these operations is becoming increasingly apparent. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the need for better support and protections for workers involved in these sensitive operations.
South Africa’s Anti-Immigrant Protests
The recent anti-immigrant protests in South Africa have had far-reaching consequences across the region. Thousands of migrants from neighbouring countries have been affected, with many forced to return to their home countries under difficult circumstances. The protests have strained regional relations and highlighted the ongoing challenges of migration management in Southern Africa.
Countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini have been working to assist their citizens returning from South Africa, but the scale of the deportations has placed significant pressure on resources and infrastructure.
Conclusion
The death of Themba Ncongwane serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of regional migration tensions. As he was laid to rest with the respect and honour he deserved, his story highlights the need for greater awareness of the risks faced by transport workers and the broader implications of deportation operations in Southern Africa.
His employer’s tribute and the community’s turnout at his funeral reflect the impact he had on those around him. His dedication to his work and his role in training new employees leave a lasting legacy in the transport industry.