By Nyasha Chuma
Sydney- OUTSPOKEN socialite and usually vacillating government critic Susan Mutami has launched a noble initiative to complement Government efforts in assisting surviving victims and families of the tragic Kariba disaster, marking what many are calling her “Damascene Moment.”
The devastating ferry accident on Lake Kariba last week claimed numerous lives and left several children orphaned, prompting President Mnangagwa to declare it a state of disaster and ordering authorities to swiftly mobilise social welfare support for the affected families.
However, the outspoken diaspora figure has now stepped forward with a comprehensive private sector-driven assistance programme that she says aims to work alongside, not against, Government efforts.
Speaking from her Sydney base via X (former Twitter), Mutami, who has previously been one of the most vocal critics of the Second Republic, acknowledged that while Government sometimes falls short there are areas where genuine progress is being made.
“Zimbabweans especially those in the diaspora, you all know that the Government sometimes doesn’t get it right but they do try sometimes in other areas,” Mutami stated in a widely circulated message.
“Instead of writing long paragraphs bashing them let’s all come together at a time like this and see how best we can assist with the little that we have.”
The initiative, which has already garnered significant support from the Zimbabwean diaspora community, proposes the establishment of a dedicated committee on the ground in Harare and another in the diaspora specifically to assist children who have lost their parents and breadwinners in the tragedy.
Mutami’s proposal comes at a time when Government through the Department of Social Welfare has already mobilised resources to assist affected families. Her initiative is being viewed as a complementary effort that demonstrates the power of public-private partnership in addressing national challenges.
“There are children who have lost their parents and breadwinners. We need to set up a committee on the ground in Kariba and in the Diaspora specifically to help the children through school and upkeep. Social welfare Zim will play its part but I was just thinking there’s more that we can all do as Zim diaspora,” she said.
The proposal includes a call for diaspora members to adopt individual children and pay their school fees, a gesture that has touched many hearts across the diaporan community .
Mutami, who described herself as a mother to small children, revealed the personal motivation behind her unexpected pivot.
“I’m a mother to small children and my biggest fear in life is leaving my kids behind whilst they are young and without seeing my grandchildren,” she said .
This deeply personal reflection is said to have been the catalyst for her transformation from fierce critic to constructive partner in national development.
In a strategic move that shows the seriousness of her intentions, Mutami has reached out to widely respected community figure Freeman Chari, requesting his assistance in managing funds due to his proven track record of transparency and accountability.
“Freeman Chari you are trustworthy when it comes to handling money plus you account for every dollar, may you please help set up something so that we can all chip in and help these families,” Mutami appealed, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring donor confidence and financial probity in the initiative.
Government sources have expressed cautious optimism about the development, viewing it as a positive indication that even the most strident critics can recognise when national interests supersede partisan differences.
Beyond immediate relief efforts, Mutami has unveiled an ambitious long-term vision that could revolutionise transport on Lake Kariba, potentially preventing future tragedies of this nature.
“We also need to start thinking big and come up with ideas on how to help our people instead of waiting on the Government. Think outside the box. Identify their problems and fix it for them in the form of a business,” she said, adding that private sector investment in a modern ferry service could address the underlying safety concerns that contributed to the recent disaster.
“A Ferry or Boat costs roughly between 250-350k. If 10 of us in the diaspora contribute we can enter the Kariba Market as private players and pass all the compliance checks etc and help our people,” she proposed.
The proposal has been met with enthusiasm from business-minded Zimbabweans in the diaspora who see an opportunity to combine commercial viability with social responsibility. The initiative would operate within the regulatory framework established by Government, with proper compliance checks ensuring safety and quality standards are met.
Observers said that Mutami’s transformation represents a shift in diaspora engagement with national issues, moving from criticism to constructive participation. The initiative shows that patriotic duty transcends political differences and that the welfare of vulnerable Zimbabweans should unite all citizens regardless of their political persuasion.
Meanwhile, the government has assured the public that it remains fully committed to supporting all affected families while welcoming complementary private initiatives that enhance the reach and effectiveness of its social welfare programmes.
