AS Tafadzwa Macheza (43) walks along the shores of Lake Kariba, he prepares for another perilous night on the deep waters.
Despite the serene beauty of the lake, Macheza knows its dangers all too well.
For years, he and fellow fishermen have navigated these waters to provide for their families.
His own experiences are a testament to the lake’s unforgiving nature.
Last year, he survived a terrifying crocodile attack while laying his net at Nyaodza Fishing Camp.
His colleague fought off the beast, breaking its jaws, but Macheza lost his right leg in the ordeal.
“I will never forget the crocodile’s grip. It’s a miracle I survived. But the lake’s dangers won’t stop me. I must provide for my family,” he said.
Back in 2007, tragedy struck when Luke Mudenda, a fellow fisherman, drowned after his dingy boat capsized in the dead of night.
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Despite valiant search and rescue efforts by authorities and local community, Mudenda’s body was never recovered.
The pain of that loss still lingers on for Susan, Mudenda’s widow.
She is still shedding tears to this day, holding onto the hope of reuniting with her loving husband one day.
Their daughter, born months after Mudenda’s passing on, suffers from the trauma of growing up without a father.
Susan fondly remembers her husband as a kind and caring man, a memory she clings to as she raises their child alone.
“Life without Luke is unbearable,” she narrated.
“His memory lives on through our daughter, but the pain never fades. I wish the authorities could do more to prevent such tragedies.”
In 2022, tragedy struck again when Wallace Siabantu’s makeshift boat was overwhelmed by the turbulent waters of Lake Kariba.
He had been fishing with his daughter, who helplessly watched from the shore as her father struggled to keep the boat afloat.
Despite sustained efforts to steady the dugout fishing boat, Siabantu was eventually consumed by the lake’s fury.
His daughter, traumatised by witnessing her father’s tragic demise, recounted the unbearable grief and pain that gripped her as she watched him slip beneath the water's surface.
The memory of that fateful day remains etched in her mind, a constant reminder of the lake’s “unforgiving power”.
Siabantu’s daughter, who is still in grief two years after losing her father, said: “I watched my father slip away into the lake. The screams, the struggle . . . it’s etched in my mind forever. I wish I could turn back the hands of time.”
Macheza, Mudenda and Siabantu’s tragic fate serve as constant reminders of sacrifices made by the fishermen for their families.
As night falls on Kariba, Macheza and his fellow fishermen will face the dangers once more, driven by determination and the need to provide.
Every night, courageous fishermen brave the unforgiving waves of Lake Kariba, risking their lives as a means to provide for their loved ones.
Despite the perilous conditions, they persevere, driven by sheer determination and resilience.
The statistics are staggering: hundreds of fishermen have lost their lives on these treacherous waters, leaving behind devastated families and communities.
Yet, the remaining fishermen continue to face the challenges head-on, undeterred by the dangers that lurk beneath the surface.
Their daily struggles are a testament to their unwavering commitment.
They battle dangerous animals, turbulent waters and unpredictable weather, confront equipment failures and limited resources, and face exhaustion and physical strain.
Each night spent on the lake is a dance with uncertainty, where nature’s whims can turn a routine fishing trip into a fight for survival.
“Having spent 20 years on Lake Kariba, I have seen the fishing industry change dramatically. Overfishing, pollution and climate change have made it harder to make a living. But we are not just fishermen, we are providers for our families and communities,” said Isaac Moyo, a fisherman from Siavonga.
For Joshua Jonasi from Musamba fishing camp, he remembers the day when they had to clutch at straws as a storm attempted to capsize their boat.
“I will never forget that fateful night on Lake Kariba. Our boat was tossed like a toy in the storm’s fury. Waves crashed over us, threatening to capsize us at any moment.
“I thought it was the end. But by God’s grace, we managed to ride out the storm. Our engine failed, and we drifted for hours, praying for dawn. When the sun rose, we were miles off course, battered but alive,” he narrated.
“'I saw friends lose their lives on that lake. The trauma still haunts me. But I’m grateful for the second chance to live.
“And to authorities, I plead, improve rescue services, provide better weather warnings, and support fishermen’s safety initiatives. Our lives depend on Lake Kariba, it is our oxygen tank.”
Kapenta Workers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Rhodes Madyira said he was deeply saddened by the constant loss of lives on Lake Kariba.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who have tragically perished,” he said.
“We recognise the cultural significance of proper burials and will continue efforts to engage authorities so that they retrieve and identify remains.
“Our commitment to safer fishing practices and support for affected families remains unwavering.”
Despite these hardships, Lake Kariba’s fishermen remain steadfast, fuelled by the love for their families and community, proud of their traditional livelihood, and resilience in the face of adversity.
This passion is woven into their very identity; it is a legacy passed down through generations.
Their selfless dedication not only puts food on the table, but also supports local economies and preserves a centuries-old fishing heritage.
The laughter of children playing on the shores and the vibrant markets filled with fresh catch are a testament to their hard work and sacrifices.
Each fish caught is not just a meal, but a lifeline that sustains their way of life.
“We honour the memory of those who have lost their lives on Lake Kariba and salute the bravery of those who continue to fish its its waters,” said Anglers Association chairperson Abraham Mukono.
“Their spirit, unyielding and fierce, embodies the heart of a community that refuses to be defeated by the challenges of their environment.
“In the face of adversity, they rise each day, determined to keep their traditions alive and ensure a brighter future for the generations to come.”
