Rosita Salvador Mabuiango, the Mozambican woman whose dramatic birth in a tree during catastrophic flooding made her an international symbol of survival, has died at age 25 after battling a prolonged illness. Her sister Celia Salvador confirmed to the BBC that Rosita passed away on Monday morning following more than two weeks of hospitalization.
The story of Rosita’s extraordinary entry into the world captured global attention in February 2000 when the Limpopo river burst its banks, creating Mozambique’s worst recorded floods. Her mother, Carolina Cecilia Chirindza, along with 14 other villagers, sought refuge in trees as rising waters engulfed their community. After four days stranded without food or supplies, Carolina gave birth to Rosita in the early hours of Wednesday morning, just as South African military helicopters spotted the desperate group.
The iconic image of mother and newborn being winched to safety became the defining visual representation of the disaster that claimed hundreds of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. Their survival story transcended national borders, leading to a trip to the United States where they addressed Congress to raise awareness about the Mozambique crisis.
Despite her miraculous beginning, Rosita’s life was marked by health challenges. Family sources indicate she had been fighting anemia for several years, with her condition deteriorating recently. She leaves behind a five-year-old daughter and a legacy that touched her nation deeply.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo expressed profound sorrow, describing Rosita as “a symbol for girls in Mozambique” and extending condolences to the entire nation. The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about healthcare deficiencies in the country, with political analyst Charles Mangwiro calling her death a “wake-up call for the government to improve service delivery in the entire health system.”
Rosita completed her education in her native Chibuto district, demonstrating resilience throughout her life. Local authorities have begun coordinating with the family regarding funeral arrangements, which the municipality will oversee.