Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE recorded a modest decline in road traffic deaths in 2024, but the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has warned that the figures are still unacceptably high, urging a united national effort to save lives on the roads.

The announcement was made by TSCZ Managing Director, Mr Munesu Munodawafa, during the Council’s annual general meeting (AGM) held in Harare this week.

According to the latest data, road deaths fell to 2 015 this year, down from 2 099 in 2023. Mr Munodawafa credited this improvement to intensified public awareness campaigns and enhanced enforcement initiatives.

“While the numbers are still alarming, we are at least encouraged by the fact that there has been a reduction,” said Mr Munodawafa. “We believe that if we collectively work as Zimbabweans, we should be able to further push the numbers downwards, and more importantly, make that downward reduction sustainable.”

He said the Council’s goal extends beyond mere statistics.

“The reduction is encouraging, but we cannot be complacent. Every life lost on the road is one too many,” Mr Munodawafa said, outlining plans to continue strengthening education and safety campaigns, particularly during high-risk periods like the festive season.

The AGM, attended by senior Government officials, board members and Counci management, also served as a platform to highlight the organisation’s strategic direction.

Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Chief Director of Roads, Engineer David Jana, represented Minister Felix Mhona.

In his address, TSCZ Board Chairman Mr Kura Sibanda underscored the importance of the AGM for corporate governance, emphasising “transparency, accountability and engagement with stakeholders as the bedrock of the Council’s operations.”

He commended the management and staff for their dedication and thanked stakeholders for their support.

Echoing this sentiment, TSCZ vice chairperson, Ms Lizwe Bunu, reported that the Council had received a clean audit report and was aligned with best practices in governance and compliance.

She also noted that the Council’s work directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those for quality education and good health and well-being.

The Ministry of Transport is currently working to transform the Council from an advisory body into a statutory agency with full enforcement powers.

This transformation is expected to be a game-changer for road safety in Zimbabwe.

Once complete, the TSCZ will be empowered to directly enforce traffic regulations, issue fines for offences and coordinate national road safety initiatives in a more robust and integrated manner, potentially accelerating the decline in road fatalities.