Online Reporter
The Sunday Mail, in partnership with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, is currently hosting the 2025 Safe Driving Campaign and Conference in Harare.
This important event brings together key figures, including Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, provincial coordinator Mrs Catherine Kampala, Senator Charles Tawengwa, and Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe vice board chairperson Ms Lizwe Bhunu, among others.
Notable attendees also include Traffic Safety Council managing director Mr Munesu Munodawafa, National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, and senior Zimpapers officials led by board member Mrs Sybil Madzikanda.
The conference has attracted a wide range of participants, including Traffic Safety Council ambassadors Baba naMai Charamba, transport operators, drivers, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, insurance providers, vehicle owners, and road safety advocates.
The Zimpapers Safe Driving Campaign and Conference was initiated in response to the alarming levels of road carnage.
Through publishing stories of individuals who have lost loved ones or suffered life-altering injuries in road accidents, Zimpapers aims to highlight the profound impact of these tragedies, extending beyond mere statistics.
Join us as our reporter, Freeman Razemba, and photographer, Charles Muchakagara, provide live updates and insights from this crucial gathering focused on enhancing road safety in Zimbabwe.
Ministry highlights urgency of road safety
The director provincial coordinator, Mrs Catherine Kampila, who is representing the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, is now giving welcoming remarks.
In her remarks, she said, “Today we gather not just as officials, stakeholders, or citizens, but as mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, as well as members of communities that are directly affected by what happens on our roads every single day.
“This campaign is not merely about traffic rules and regulations; it is about saving lives, protecting families, and preserving the future of our nation. It is worrying that Harare, as the capital, seems to have become the epicentre of irresponsible driving behaviour, with the majority of accidents occurring in known danger zones such as Seke Road, Simon Mazorodze Road, and Kirkman Road, to mention but a few.”
She emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility.
Mrs Kampala stated that the government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and other relevant departments, has put in place various policies and infrastructure to support safe driving.
We need to commit to changing our behaviour on the roads – Sunday Mail Editor
Sunday Mail Editor Darlington Musarurwa stated that the conference is running under the theme — “Stop. Think. Act – Be the driver that you would trust with your life.”
“It is born out of the desire to make us introspect and reflect each time we go behind the wheel. We gather here yet again for the Safe Driving Campaign and Conference after the inaugural event last year, which we conceived to encourage responsible and safe driving behaviour on our roads.
“However, judging from statistics from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, it seems we achieved the opposite of what we set out to achieve. In fact, we have actually experienced an increase in accidents in the first six months of this year — during the January to June period — compared to the same period a year ago.
“We have also seen an alarmingly high number of accidents from April to June compared to the first three months of the year. The crisis continues. No incident makes this clearer than the recent Seke Road accident, which was declared a national disaster.
“What does it mean? Well, it means we have failed; it means we have failed to reach motorists and encourage them to change their behaviour. But we are not discouraged; we cannot be discouraged, and we will never be discouraged.”
He added, “So, what should we do to change this narrative and trend, particularly now that we are fast approaching Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day — holidays that are typically characterised by increased movement within and between cities?
“Something has to give. We cannot continue to needlessly lose lives at the rate we are currently losing our loved ones. Last week and this week, His Excellency President Dr ED Mnangagwa made it clear that something definitely has to change.
“Yes, we might ask law enforcement agencies to stringently and scrupulously enforce traffic laws and regulations. Yes, we might ask transport operators to ensure their crews do the needful.
“And yes, we might even ask the Traffic Safety Council to heighten their awareness campaigns, but clearly, the ultimate solution lies in me, you, and all of us — we just have to commit to changing our behaviour.”
Zimpapers board member emphasises role in promoting road safety awareness
Zimpapers board member Mrs Sybil Madzikanda said the role of Zimpapers is to provide people with a platform through publications such as ZTN, The Herald, Sunday Mail, Chronicle, Sunday News, H-Metro, B Metro, and other social media platforms.
“That’s why we partner with the respective governmental organisations, communities, and various stakeholders such as the ZRP and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.
“We are committed to continually providing an unbiased platform for information dissemination.”
Traffic Safety Council urges motorists to prioritise safety ahead of Heroes and Defence Forces holidays
Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe vice board chairperson, Ms Lizwe Bhunu, said that every year, millions of individuals are affected by road traffic incidents, leading to devastating losses and life-altering consequences.
“Our mission here is not only to raise awareness but to cultivate actionable strategies that can enhance safety on our roads. Today, we aim to explore the latest research, innovative technologies, and effective policies that can help us create a safer driving environment. Our panel of experts, advocates, and thought leaders will share their insights and experiences, fostering a rich dialogue that we hope will spark new ideas and collaborations.
“We are at a pivotal moment where education, technology, and community engagement can combine to make a real difference. As we move forward, I encourage each one of you to share your perspectives and challenges because together, we can drive change.
“As we approach the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, allow me to encourage motorists to drive within the stipulated speed limits and abide by the traffic rules and regulations of this country. Remember, a road is a shared space; as such, be courteous to other road users, as rightfully stipulated by the Defensive Driving Course,” she said.
She applauded all those attending the conference for their commitment to road safety and their dedication to making the roads safer for everyone.
‘Road safety is more crucial than ever’: Deputy Minister Sacco
Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, the guest of honour, is now giving his remarks.
He stated that global statistics show that nearly 1.3 million people die in road traffic accidents each year, with countless more suffering life-altering injuries.
“A six-month comparative analysis of national accident data from the Zimbabwe Republic Police from January to June 2025 versus the same period last year (2024) shows that Zimbabwe recorded 28,159 road traffic accidents between January and June this year, up from 25,968 during the same period last year.
“Today, road safety is more crucial than ever, with the leading causes being distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.”
Minister Kazembe highlights alarming road traffic fatalities and calls for enhanced safety measures
The Director of Procurement in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Colonel (Rtd) Onward Tokoda, who is representing Minister Kazembe Kazembe, stated that since January this year, a total of 1,088 people have been killed in road traffic accidents.
“Each number represents a story cut short: a mother who will never return home, a child who will never grow old, a teenager whose life has been cut short, a youth who still had much to write with plenty of ink but a small life notebook, and a breadwinner whose absence plunges a family into despair and utter dejection. The statistics are not just figures; they are an indictment of our weaknesses. We have seen an 8.4 percent increase in accidents compared to last year and a 5 percent rise in fatalities. These numbers scream a truth we can no longer ignore: our roads have become killing fields and death traps,” he said.
He added that as the country approaches the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, they are intensifying efforts by investing in safer infrastructure, deploying breathalysers, and increasing police static roadblocks to protect lives.
Traffic Safety Council brand ambassadors express commitment to road safety
Traffic Safety Council brand ambassadors Baba and Mai Charamba expressed their gratitude for being part of this important conference.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives through road crashes, most of which are caused by a mere disregard for traffic laws and regulations. We pray that the surviving members of the recent crashes that took place along Chitungwiza Road and other locations find solace in the Lord. We continue to appeal to road users to exercise caution and patience on our roads, while also acknowledging that the vehicle population has remarkably increased.
“We applaud the Traffic Safety Council and its various stakeholders for their concerted efforts in raising awareness and promoting good road-usage behaviour. Going forward, we pledge to enhance traffic safety awareness through active participation and artistic methods. We will also continue to advocate for the attainment of Defensive Driver’s licenses among artists, media personalities, and those in the creative sector.
“We strongly believe that conforming to and adhering to road traffic rules will significantly reduce the rate of crashes. We also appreciate the Sunday Mail/Zim Papers for co-hosting today’s indaba. We sincerely trust that the impact of this conference will go a long way in changing the culture and attitude within our travelling space.”
Police spells out measures to curb road carnage
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi spoke about the measures implemented to curb road carnage by law enforcement agents.
Recently, the Zimbabwe Republic Police introduced the Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS) as part of efforts to reduce traffic violations and improve road safety.
The system leverages automated camera surveillance to enhance enforcement and ensure greater compliance with traffic laws.
Commissioner Nyathi reported that during the ongoing crackdown against reckless driving and traffic offenders, they have arrested more than 1,000 commuter omnibuses for violating traffic rules and regulations.
He also expressed concern over motorists who sometimes offer police officers money after being arrested at a police checkpoint.
Commissioner Nyathi stated that they will not hesitate to arrest anyone found on the wrong side of the law, as well as anyone involved in corrupt activities.
The conference is now in session two, featuring a panel discussion with officials from ambulance services, the fire brigade, insurance companies, the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), and passenger associations.
