Online Reporter
Good morning, Zimbabwe!
Welcome to the live coverage of the National Road Safety Indaba, taking place this Wednesday in Harare.
This vital platform brings together a diverse group of stakeholders – including Government officials, transport operators, law enforcement personnel, and community representatives – to collaboratively tackle the pressing issue of road safety.
With a focus on reducing traffic accidents and saving lives, the Indaba aims to address the alarming rates of road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries that affect both public health and safety.
Key attendees, such as Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, officials from the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and other senior Government officials, will engage in discussions to identify challenges and develop actionable strategies for enhancing road safety across Zimbabwe.
Join us as Freeman Razemba gives us live updates as participants formulate commitments and accelerate the implementation of essential road safety measures, as we strive towards a safer future for all road users.
Nation in mourning
This indaba comes at a time when the nation is still in mourning.
Only yesterday, 17 people died after a haulage truck collided with a commuter omnibus near Manyame River Bridge on the road linking Harare and Chitungwiza.
The South Africa-registered truck was travelling to Harare while the commuter omnibus was headed for St Mary’s in Chitungwiza.
Witnesses said the truck encroached into the opposite traffic lane while trying to avoid a collision with a Honda Fit in its lane.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility: Minister Tawengwa
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Harare Metropolitan Province, Senator Charles Tawengwa, is now giving his welcoming remarks.
He is being represented by Mrs Gloria Denhere, the acting Director of Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management.
“This is an extremely important occasion which is consistent with our objective to achieve high-quality and efficient public transport services covering both rural and urban areas and reduce road fatalities.
“Despite road safety education campaigns, the death toll on our roads is still unacceptably high. Therefore, the promotion of road safety cannot be overemphasised.
“As road safety champions, it is important that we develop and implement effective road safety initiatives, strategies, and plans. It is also important to track and monitor progress in reducing road crashes by addressing the gaps identified in key road safety laws, infrastructure, vehicle standards and access to post-crash care,” he said.
“Whilst Harare Metropolitan Province has always been a place of opportunity and growth, road traffic crashes pose a huge threat to the commuting public and other road users.
“The province has witnessed the highest number of road traffic crashes and fatalities compared to any other province due to the ever-growing vehicle population.
“Statistics received from ZRP revealed that 187 people died as a result of road traffic crashes from January to May 2025. This is unacceptable and could have been prevented.
“The duty for safe traffic conduct squarely falls on all road users, while the responsibility to call out reckless road-users also lies with the general public who should support our law enforcement agencies to tame what has become a traffic jungle,” he said.
Minister Tawengwa applauded the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development for calling for the Indaba and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe for organizing this important event.
Minister calls for reflection on traffic safety in light of recent fatalities
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Mr Mike Masaka is representing Minister Kazembe Kazembe and is now giving his speech.
He said the Home Affairs Ministry’s major responsibilities are enhancing road safety through traffic control and traffic law enforcement.
“We need to be reminded that the country expects much from all of us. This indaba commences under a very dark canopy of national grief following yesterday’s unfortunate loss of 17 precious lives at Manyame Bridge in Chitungwiza.
“Such horrific accidents demand that each of us pose and ponder very hard. What could have been avoided? What could have been done differently? Was our state of disaster preparedness on point? Was our response swift enough?
“Sadly, this accident is a stark reflection of the situation on our roads,” said Minister Kazembe.
When roads become death traps
According to Minister Kazembe, from January to June 2024, a total of 25 968 accidents were recorded, compared to 28 158 accidents recorded during the same period this year.
Furthermore, a total of 1 037 people were killed in road traffic accidents last year during the same period, compared to 1 088 deaths recorded in 2025.
These alarming figures mirror a serious existential threat to citizens who daily have to contend with the sad possibility of losing their precious lives through road accidents.
“Our analysis of road traffic statistics reflects a steady increase in the number of accidents. Accidents have become more deadly, largely as a result of speeding,” he said.
‘Losing lives remains a major cause of concern’
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona is now giving his speech.
“Allow me to express my profound gratitude to the organisers of this third National Road Safety Indaba series. We appreciate your work, which reflects our commitment towards sustainable road safety initiatives. It also speaks volumes of our collective efforts in making good our targets towards reducing the number of road crashes on our roads,” he said.
Minister Mhona added, “We are extremely delighted that gatherings of this nature provide us with wonderful opportunities to share experiences with colleagues from the ecosystem of road safety management and regulation. It is also an opportune platform to reaffirm smart, public and private partnerships for sustainable road traffic safety programming.”
He said road transport management is essential to our social and economic life and is determinant of various development indices of our beloved nation, given its linkages to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“While we have done much in the last few years to address the challenges arising from road transport management, losing lives remains a major cause of concern. Loss of young lives, property and value associated with road crashes in Zimbabwe is undesirable,” Minister Mhona said.
Minister Mhona mourns Chitungwiza accident victims
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has sent a condolence message to the families of the 17 people who died when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision with a haulage truck on Tuesday morning.
Four other people were injured in the fatal road accident.
“It is with deep sorrow and sadness that I have received news of the fatal road traffic crash that occurred on Tuesday morning at Hunyani Bridge along Seke Road, Chitungwiza,” Minister Mhona said.
“Certainly, this is the worst nightmare, to lose several of our beloved ones – young men, women, and children – in such a horrific crash. It is undoubtedly the worst nightmare for the families and the whole nation.
“Our thoughts are with the victims of the crash, the bereaved families, the injured and the survivors who witnessed the gruesome, traumatic, and dark moment of the crash.
“During this sombre period, we call upon the whole nation to commiserate with the affected families. We wish a speedy recovery for the injured.”
Commuter omnibus associations call for registration of operators
During the ongoing National Road Safety Indaba in Harare, commuter omnibus associations have called on the Government to ensure that all operators are registered with recognized associations.
They propose that permits be issued only to those affiliated with these groups.
Key statements have came from:
• Edmore Tirivanhu Gwengwe, Chairman of the Harare Youth Transporters Association (Hayta)
• Ngoni Katsvairo, Secretary General of the Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACO)
• Frederick Maguramhinga, President of the Zimbabwe United Deregulated Commuter Operators (ZUDCO)
They emphasized the need for legislation to regulate the growing number of associations, enabling self-regulation and ensuring that all kombi operations adhere to proper termini and bus stop practices.
In Bulawayo, self-regulation is somewhat feasible due to the presence of only three operating associations.
In contrast, Harare faces a chaotic landscape with numerous emerging associations, alongside fierce competition from independent operators and illegal “mushikashika” services.
Currently, the registration of commuter omnibus associations lacks oversight from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development or the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, leading to confusion for commuters.
This has resulted in unjustified fare hikes, particularly during peak hours.
The Government has been encouraging kombi operators to register with recognized associations as part of efforts to regulate the public transport sector, aiming to improve order, safety, and accountability in an industry plagued by illegal pick-up points and unregistered operators.
The proliferation of commuter omnibus associations in Harare has created significant chaos and lawlessness within the transport sector.
Police chief highlights Smart Traffic Management System in enhancing road safety
During his presentation, Commissioner Gift Hlabiso, the Police Chief Staff Officer for the Electronic Traffic Management System, emphasised the importance of Smart Traffic Management Systems (STMS) as an effective tool for promoting road safety.
“Given that manual traffic management approaches preceded the full adoption of STMS in our country, it is crucial to share the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s current traffic management practices aimed at ensuring the safe use of our roads,” he said.
He said key factors contributing to accidents include inattentiveness and misjudgement, speeding, following too closely, failure to yield, and overtaking errors.
Commissioner Hlabiso assured that the police are implementing various strategies to curb road accidents in line with their mandate.
