Editorial Comment: Let’s all be responsible road users and save lives this Easter

everyone else it is time to rest and either savour the achievements of the first quarter of the year or lick their wounds if the year has not gone well so far.
But what is important to appreciate is that these are Christian holidays, and Christ is the reason for the season.
The scripture in 1 John 2:2 states specifically: “And He is the propitiation of our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
In other words, Christians teach that Jesus Christ did not die for the sins of Christians only but also for the whole world; the difference is who has accepted the forgiveness of sins through Christ by associating with Him.
It is about God extending mercy to the people and pouring His judgment for the sins of the world on Jesus Christ.
It is a celebration of God’s love for the world. It is about God declaring peace with the world; saying He is no longer at war with mankind and expects man not to be at war with each other.
It is God forgiving mankind so that we can also forgive each other. The Creator has poured out His love on us so that we can love one another and be at peace with each other.
This is a message that Zimbabweans need to take to heart as they grapple with the political, economic and social challenges that almost tore the country apart in the last decade.
As we build up to our 32nd Independence anniversary, Zimbabwe is maturing as a nation politically, economically and socially.
Politically in terms of tolerance and observance of democratic principles; economically in terms of ownership of resources and their exploitation and socially in terms of morality, love for one another and general welfare of the people.
Presently Zimbabwe is seized with the process of drafting a new Constitution and some of the contentious issues have revolved around whether or not to stick to Godly values, which are also African values, shunning those practices that God says are an abomination.
The message of Easter is a message of reconciliation as the Bible teaches us that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself and has given us the message and ministry of reconciliation.
As we move towards the elections, it is imperative that we remain guided by this divine wisdom that seeks to keep Zimbabwe as a unitary state, a God-fearing and peace-loving country.
Pursuing peace means going after safety, welfare, good health, prosperity and sound human relationships.
It is a time for thanksgiving. Zimbabwe is envied today because of its God-given resources — an abundance of minerals, fertile land, scenic resorts, wildlife etc.
If we resolve to remain a united country, pursuing common goals, we should soon be able to shake off the shameful label of being regarded as a poor country.
The sanctity of life must be observed not just during the Easter holidays, but at any other time.
Police have announced heavy deployment on the major roads to enforce proper conduct. But it is the responsible behaviour of the road users that will make a difference.
Sticking to the stipulated speed limits, ensuring the road worthiness of the vehicles and not drinking and driving will give us all happy Easter holidays.
Transport, Communications and Infrastructure Development Minister Nicholas Goche has warned public transport operators to stick to obligations as per their licence and route authority and the police need to enforce this strictly.
He outlined a five-point safety requirement for public transport operators and we repeat it for public information:
l Bus operators are advised to maintain their normal timetables.
l Overloading buses is not permitted.
l Driving under the influence of alcohol is an offence and totally condemned.
l Unscrupulous bus operators who overwork their drivers to maximise profits are abhorred in the transport industry.
l All operators should ensure that their drivers are issued with roadworthy buses.
If the operators observe this five-point plan or if police force them to do so, the death toll on our roads would be nothing to talk about.