Age limit for kombi drivers splits opinions

GOVERNMENT’S decision to ban drivers who are less than 30 years of age from driving public service vehicles has been received with mixed feelings with some sections of society hailing the move while some feel it will drive youthful drivers into unemployment.

In announcing the new minimum age requirement for drivers of public service vehicles, the Government said the move aims to address the rising number of fatal accidents and recklessness on the roads.

Effective immediately, all kombi and bus drivers must now be aged 30 and above from the previous minimum of 25 years to ensure that only mature, and experienced drivers operate public service vehicles.

Kombi driver Mr Mpilo Ndiweni (28) of Emakhandeni suburb said the ban will keep a lot of young aspiring commuter omnibus drivers out of employment. He said the sector is one of the biggest employers of youths in Bulawayo.

“I understand that those of us who are already driving commuter omnibuses and are less than 30 years old will not be affected but I think the ban will keep a lot of young guys in the townships from getting decent jobs in the transport business,” he said.

“Driving kombis is a lifeline for most young guys in Bulawayo. So, can you imagine how many of them will have to wait to turn 30 years of age before they can get a decent job and drive kombis,” said Mr Ndiweni.

A resident, Miss Noxolo Moyo, urged the Government to look at other ways to bring sanity in the industry without pushing young people out of employment.

“A lot of young people escape unemployment by getting a driver’s licence and looking for a job in the kombi business,” she said.

“Some of them even start off as touts or conductors and save the little money that they earn to get driver’s licences. The new law will push the guys into crime or illegal vending,” said Ms Moyo.

Bulawayo United Public Transport Association (Bupta) chairman Mr Morgan Msipa said his organisation sees nothing wrong with the Government increasing the age limit for public service vehicle drivers from 25 to 30 years.

“The SI (Statutory Instrument) is clear that drivers who are less than 30 years old and are already in the industry will not be affected. As Bupta we operate within the ambit of the law. So, we will follow what the Government says,” he said.

“It’s not a bad thing for authorities to come up with laws that they think will reduce road accidents and reckless driving. The commuter omnibus business cannot afford to work outside the laws of the country,” said Mr Msipa.

Tshova Mubaiwa route overseer Mr Eliasha Taurai is of the opinion that young drivers who do not meet the new regulations will turn to driving illegal taxis known as mushikashikas, known for lawlessness on the city’s roads.

“The majority of our drivers are young men whom we try to mould into responsible drivers and human beings by making them understand that driving kombis is not a passport for one to lose their morals and ubuntu.

“They might be young but they are responsible citizens who are making an honest living through driving kombis. So, I think the ban will force them to drive unregulated vehicles, which the Government is fighting hard to eradicate,” said Mr Taurai.

In coming up with the new age requirement Government noted that the country records over 2 000 road traffic-related deaths annually, with negligent driving identified as a leading cause.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, said the new regulations state that drivers must have a minimum of five years of experience to qualify to operate public service vehicles.

“It’s hereby notified that the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development has, in terms of section 81 of the Road Traffic Act (Chapter 13:11), made the following regulations. . .” the Gazette reads.

“The updated requirements state that no individual may operate a passenger public service vehicle unless they are at least 30 years old and have a minimum of five years of driving experience.

“Existing drivers aged between 25 and 30 who were already authorised to drive before this regulation will be allowed to continue”.

Last year, Mhona told the National Assembly that bus and kombi drivers will have to be aged 30 and above, in a move meant to tackle the rising number of traffic accidents and fatalities, largely attributed to reckless driving.

The new age requirement aligns with regional practices where the minimum age is 30 years for public service vehicles.