MBABANE – A liSwati long-distance driver died while transporting Malawian nationals deported from South Africa through the Mabahambe campaign.
Themba Ncongwane (46) reportedly passed away in the back seat of the bus after completing his medical checks and taking a rest before his turn to drive.
Ncongwane’s employer, Tiro Mpane, told mourners at the deceased’s funeral service at Duze, Siphofaneni, over the weekend that he received a call on Saturday morning, July 11, 2026, informing him about the tragedy.
Mpane said he was instructed to contact a bus driver named Emmanuel, who was travelling with Ncongwane.
“When I called the number, the driver could only say it was Themba before asking what had happened,” Mpane said.
According to information gathered, Ncongwane and his colleague were driving a bus transporting Malawian nationals back to their home country after they had been deported through the ‘Mabahambe’ campaign in South Africa.
The Mabahambe campaign is an anti-immigrant protest movement in South Africa calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. The phrase ‘Mabahambe’ is a Zulu and Xhosa expression meaning ‘they must go’ or ‘let them leave’.
Mpane said he was informed that Ncongwane died while the bus was in Harare, Zimbabwe, after complaining about problems with his eyes.
He said before crossing the border, Ncongwane had undergone the required medical checks and later rested at the back seat of the bus.
“I was told that when it was his turn to drive, the other driver went to wake him up, but Ncongwane could not respond from the back seat,” Mpane said, fighting back tears.
Mpane clarified that although Ncongwane was his employee, he had been working for another company at the time of his death, transporting foreign nationals back to their countries of origin.
He described Ncongwane as a loyal employee who played a key role in developing his transport business.
The employer said Ncongwane was more than just a worker, describing him as a friend and brother who contributed ideas that helped grow the company. “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 stood by him during factional disputes and remained a trusted figure within the business.
Mpane revealed that Ncongwane also trained other employees before his death, saying his gentle personality made him the preferred person to mentor others.
“He was always patient and willing to help others,” Mpane said.
The business associates and partners attended the funeral alongside Mpane and his wife to pay their final respects.
Mpane, who is known in the choral music sector, was joined by members of the Mbabane Methodists Church Choir and the Manzini Choir, who helped bring comfort to mourners during the emotional service.
