Online Reporter
Dr Manners Msongelwa
EVERY morning and afternoon across Zimbabwe, thousands of school children board commuter omnibuses and private transport vehicles to travel to and from school.
Parents entrust transport operators with the safety of their children, believing they will arrive at school and return home unharmed. Unfortunately, the reality on our roads tells a different story.
It has become common to see school children crammed in kombis that are clearly not roadworthy. Some vehicles have worn-out tyres, faulty brakes, broken seats and missing safety features. In many cases, five or more children squeeze into the front seat while others are packed tightly in the back, leaving little room to move or breathe comfortably. Such overcrowding puts children’s lives at risk every single day.
Zimbabwe has witnessed several tragic road accidents involving school children over the years. Some learners have been seriously injured, while others have lost their lives due to reckless driving, speeding and poorly maintained vehicles. These tragedies serve as painful reminders that school transport safety cannot be taken lightly.
Another worrying issue is that some transport operators carry dangerous substances such as fuel containers alongside passengers. In the event of an accident, a small spark could result in a catastrophic fire, putting dozens of young lives in danger. No child should be forced to travel under such hazardous conditions.
The environment inside some vehicles is equally concerning. Vulgar, violent and explicit music is often played at high volumes despite the presence of young learners. Children are exposed to inappropriate language and messages that conflict with the values being taught at home and in school. School transport should provide a safe and respectful environment that promotes positive behaviour.
Overcrowding also creates opportunities for inappropriate conduct. Reports have emerged of learners being subjected to harassment and unwanted physical contact while packed tightly in vehicles. Such situations compromise children’s dignity, safety and emotional well-being.
Perhaps most alarming are reports of drivers collecting children while visibly intoxicated. A driver under the influence of alcohol has impaired judgement, slower reaction times and a reduced ability to control a vehicle. When such individuals are entrusted with the lives of dozens of school children, disaster becomes only a matter of time.
Speeding is another serious problem. Many drivers ignore traffic regulations in an attempt to maximise profits by making as many trips as possible. They overtake dangerously, disregard road signs and compete with other vehicles for passengers. In doing so, they gamble with the lives of innocent children.
The question Zimbabweans must ask is simple: How many more children must be injured or killed before decisive action is taken?
Several measures can be implemented immediately to improve school transport safety. First, all vehicles transporting school children should undergo mandatory roadworthiness inspections every term. Vehicles that fail inspections should be removed from service immediately.
Second, the government, through the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Vehicle Inspection Department, should conduct regular roadside checks targeting school transport vehicles. Operators found overloading passengers or violating safety regulations should face severe penalties, including licence suspension.
Third, schools should maintain approved registers of transport operators. Parents should be encouraged to use only those operators who meet established safety standards.
Fourth, all drivers transporting school children should undergo background checks, medical examinations and regular alcohol testing. Drivers found operating vehicles while intoxicated should face the full force of the law.
Fifth, there should be strict regulations governing the type of music and content played in vehicles carrying learners. School transport should be a safe environment that reflects societal values and protects children’s moral development.
Parents also have a critical role to play. They should report unsafe transport practices, avoid using operators known for reckless behaviour and work closely with schools to ensure children’s safety.
Ultimately, every child has the right to travel safely to and from school. Protecting learners is not only the responsibility of parents and schools but also of transport operators, law enforcement agencies and government authorities. The lives of our children are too precious to be placed in the hands of reckless and irresponsible operators.
Zimbabwe cannot afford to wait for another tragedy before acting. The time to improve school transport safety is now.
Dr Manners Msongelwa is an educator, author and youth mentor.
