Mhunga dies: Prominent Bus operator Tanda Tavaruva who is popularly known as Mhunga has died. One of his sons Cornelius Tavaruva confirmed his father’s death. Mhunga used to operate one of the largest fleet of public transport in Zimbabwe. His business empire crumbled after a series of horrific accidents involving his buses happened along the Masvingo-Harare highway. The accidents were known as the ‘Mhunga Bus Disasters’.
Mhunga buses’ rise to prominence
Mhunga rose to prominence during the 1990s when his buses serviced the busy Masvingo – Harare route. His brand became very popular as his buses were new and well serviced. The buses competed with Harare based Musasiwa Bus service, Kukura Kurerwa and Government owned ZUPCO.
The buses also services the Johannesburg – Masvingo – Harare route as more Zimbabweans flocked to South Africa in search for better jobs and better living conditions
Mhunga bus disasters
Mhunga Bus Service lost its brand loyalty after a series of accidents along the Masvingo-Harare highway. The buses were involved in head on collisions, side swapping among other types of accidents. The saddest moment came when 37 students of Masvingo Teachers College perished close to Chatsworth along the Masvingo Harare highway. 48 people where injured the accident. Reports indicate the driver of the Mhunga bus encroached into the oncoming traffic lane and was involved in a head on collision with a haulage truck. Another Mhunga bus was involved in an accident along the same road and 40 people perished as the bus driver attempted to overtake a haulage truck but side swapped with another haulage truck in the opposite lane. The accident caused the withdrawal of the company’s license for a few months before it was restored. The company never recovered from the suspension and gradually died down due to loss of goodwill and mismanagement
Mhunga’s response
The bus company argued they had too many buses in the road which increased their probability to be involved in accidents.
Reaction to: Mhunga dies
Zimbabwe has reacted with sadness to the death of Mhunga as he was one of the most prominent black business person.
Mhunga dies with his business
Mhunga’s business has also died with him. His sons have proved to be incapable of running the business as they have failed to stand in for their aging father and watched the business die.
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