Eswatini bus driver dies while transporting deported Malawians from South Africa
· The South African
An Eswatini long-distance bus driver has died while transporting Malawian nationals who had been deported from South Africa.
According to Times News of Eswatini, 46-year-old Themba Ncongwane died 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.
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The recent protests 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.
Speaking during Ncongwane’s funeral at Duze in Siphofaneni over the weekend, his employer, Tiro Mpane, said he received a call on 11 July, informing him that the veteran driver had died while the bus was in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Mpane said he was asked to contact another driver, Emmanuel, who had been travelling with Ncongwane.
“When I called, the driver could only say it was Themba before asking what had happened,” Mpane said, according to Times News of Eswatini.
Eswatini bus driver dies during deportation bus journey
Mpane said Ncongwane and his colleague had been transporting Malawian nationals back to Malawi after they were deported from South Africa.
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.
According to Mpane, when it was Ncongwane’s 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.
Protests continue to 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 contributed to the return of thousands of migrants to neighbouring countries, with governments across the region working to assist citizens affected by the unrest and deportation operations.
Ncongwane’s death also underscores the pressures faced by transport workers tasked with moving deportees across vast distances that often span several countries.
Employer pays tribute to dedicated Eswatini bus driver
Mpane described Ncongwane 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,” he 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.
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.