The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe is in the eye of the storm after publishing in State media a condolence message which it inadvertently accompanied with a screaming congratulatory statement over the death of late Retired Major General Godfrey Chanakira.
Chanakira died sometime last month and was interred at the National Heroes Acre.
Government departments are often railroaded by their bosses to deploy scarce financial resources to publish screaming congratulatory or condolence messages often in honour of the first family or after the passing of a national hero.
The usually fawning messages are often viewed as more intended to curry favour with the ruling authority than genuine expressions of sympathy for the departed.
Templates used are often recycled from one hero to another, with minor alterations on the names.
However, it backfired this time with the traffic safety promoter accompanying its condolence statement with a congratulatory message.
Read the message, “The Board, management and the staff of Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe wish to extend their deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the Chanakira family and the entire nation following the untimely passing of Major-General (Rtd) Godfrey Chanakira. He will be remembered for his principles, selfless dedication and solid contribution to the freedom and development of the country.
The Council added, “To the Chanakira family may you find solace in the indelible imprints and legacy that this distinguished and patriotic cadre bequeathed to the people of Zimbabwe.”
And then the frightening boob, “Makorokoto, Amhlophe, Congratulations”.
