Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
MTHABISI Nolan Nyoni, was crowned the Southern Region winner of the African Best Young Driver competition after excelling in a series of driving and road safety assessments in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Nyoni (20) emerged tops at the CMED Road Test Practice Centre, beating four other finalists in the competition organised by the Automobile Association of Zimbabwe (AAZ).
Respect Ndebele, 26, finished as first runner-up, while Herbert Mkandiwa, 18, was second runner-up. Tristan Hollington, 24, and Wandile Tshuma, 25, completed the top five.
The competition tests young motorists on precision handling, vehicle control, road safety awareness and defensive driving, as part of efforts to promote responsible driving among young people.
AAZ regional manager Ms Pamela Ndlovu said the competition was aimed at developing young drivers into road safety ambassadors.
“The African Best Young Driver competition gives us an opportunity to identify and nurture young drivers who can become role models in road safety. We want young people to understand that being a good driver goes beyond simply knowing how to operate a vehicle,” she said.
Participants were also assessed on their knowledge of traffic laws, vehicle mechanics, defensive driving and first aid in simulated emergency situations.
The competition is powered by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and targets drivers aged between 18 and 26.
All five top finishers from the Southern Region have qualified for the national finals, where they will compete against qualifiers from the Northern Region.
The national finals will be held on September 26 at the East24 Golf Driving Range in Harare.
The overall winners will go on to represent Zimbabwe at the continental stage of the African Best Young Driver competition.
