NDWG Mourns the Passing of Women Movement President Madam Sibotshiwe Sibanda

By Staff Reporter

The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) has been plunged into deep mourning following the devastating and untimely passing of its Women Movement President, Madam Sibotshiwe Sibanda, who died on the night of her birthday, 6 January 2026, in South Africa.

In a statement released on 7 January 2026, NDWG Chairman and Chief Facilitator, Honourable Job Sikhala, described the loss as a “piercing sword” to the hearts of the organisation’s leadership, members and supporters, saying the sudden death had come as a profound shock to the entire democratic movement.

Madam Sibanda had travelled to South Africa with her family for festive holidays and, according to the NDWG, had not been suffering from any known illness or medical condition. Her unexpected passing has therefore left the organisation reeling, still struggling to comprehend the suddenness and finality of the tragedy.

The loss is made even more painful by the fact that it follows closely on the heels of another devastating blow to the NDWG’s Women Movement — the sudden death of national women’s leader Democrat Madade Ndlovu on 8 November 2025, also under unexpected circumstances.

“This horrible news has struck us at a time when we are still healing from the loss of our beloved comrade Madade Ndlovu,” said Sikhala. “It deepens the sorrow and grief within our movement.”

Speaking on a deeply personal note, Sikhala revealed that Madam Sibanda had visited his family home in South Africa just days before her death.

“What pains me and my family most is that she visited us on 28 December 2025 in the company of our National Deputy Treasurer-General,” he said. “We spent the entire day together, laughing, sharing memories and strategising about the future of our movement. Nothing suggested that we were sharing our final moments together.”

Madam Sibanda is remembered within the NDWG as a fearless, resolute and principled leader, a “woman of steel” whose courage and commitment to democratic values defined her political life.

She was a tireless democracy fighter whose dedication to the liberation of the masses and the struggle for a free and democratic Zimbabwe was never in doubt. Her leadership within the Women Movement was marked by discipline, clarity of purpose and an unshakable belief in justice, equality and people-centred governance.

“She was a rare breed of leadership,” Sikhala said. “Among the rank and file of the NDWG, and indeed within Zimbabwe at large, she stood out as a leader of exceptional courage, humility and unwavering conviction.”

Madam Sibanda will be remembered as a heroine of the modern democratic struggle, a woman whose contribution to the fight against tyranny and dictatorship will remain etched in the history of Zimbabwe’s quest for freedom.

The NDWG has extended its deepest condolences to the Sibanda family, assuring them of unwavering support during this painful period.

“The NDWG family will stand with the Sibanda family throughout this dark and difficult moment,” Sikhala said. “We share in their grief and loss.”

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