10 drivers leave for SA competition

provinces, will compete with drivers from 27 other countries in the week-long event beginning tomorrow. In a speech read on his behalf by secretary in his ministry Mr Munesushe Munodawafa, Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development Minister Nicholas Goche bemoaned the increase in road carnage due to reckless driving by professional drivers. He said the increase in road accidents was costing Government a lot of money.
“Zimbabwe can not afford to continue losing a lot of human life and resources to road accidents. Money that should be channeled towards other sectors like road maintenance end up being diverted to meet some costs that come as a result of accidents,” he said.
Minister Goche said drivers were the ‘most expensive assets’ in any organisation.
“As you drive, know that you are the most expensive assets in your companies. Today, an articulate truck costs well over US$150 000, but this can go up in flames in seconds just because one has failed to observe one safety rule. The grief and pain is immeasurable. Safety is paramount to development.
“Most organsiations do not realise that the single biggest risk to their business is the people they employ to drive,” said Minister Goche.
“Exercise caution all the times on the road for us to record a low number of accidents yearly,” he said.
“You are tried, tested and confirmed professional drivers and maintain your discipline as you go out to compete with other countries.
“You went through various training skills and this should help you in bringing home something.”
The drivers underwent theoretical and practical tests, which included written examinations, driving drills and road tests. The drivers were selected after competing at company, provincial and national level.
Minister Goche appealed to companies to enter their drivers in competitions. Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe managing director Mr Obio Chinyere said the aim of the world drivers’ competition was to harmonise and standardise driving performance.
“Take it seriously as it will also improve your knowledge and skills as professional drivers as well as change your attitudes on issues concerning traffic safety,” he said.
“Exhibit good characters as whatever you do will reflect the character of Zimbabwe.”
Among the drivers is one woman, Tsitsi Khosa, who will participate in the women’s delivery van category.