Online Reporter
Nick Mangwana
Government Up Close
ZIMBABWE’s urban roads, particularly in cities like Harare, have devolved into a chaotic nightmare, testing the patience of motorists and pedestrians alike.
The usual roadblocks and manual traffic management methods, while well-intentioned, have proven woefully inadequate in taming the traffic beast. It’s clear that a more intelligent approach is needed to untangle the gridlock and ensure smoother flow of traffic.
In a promising move, Cabinet on June 17, 2025, gave the green light to accelerate the Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System under the Safe City Project, spearheaded by TelOne.
This development heralds a new era in traffic management, one that leverages technology to bring order and efficiency to our roads.
Government’s approval of the Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System under the Safe City Project is a welcome respite, particularly for Harare and Bulawayo’s beleaguered roads. Road safety is a grave public concern, and traditional methods have fallen short.
Leveraging cutting-edge Information Communication Technology (ICT) is a globally recognised best practice to curb road lawlessness and enhance safety. This initiative will not only improve road safety but also support the justice delivery system, enhance governance and boost public safety.
By harnessing technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data analytics, the Smart Traffic Management System will modernise traffic management, improve revenue collection and build law enforcement capacity. Key components include a Command-and-Control Centre, cameras with Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology and AI-based video analytics.
This system will predict traffic patterns, optimise signals and provide mobile and public interfaces for fine payment.
This initiative demonstrates Government’s commitment to effective governance and public safety and is a step in the right direction towards taming Harare’s chaotic roads.
The TelOne solution deserves commendation for being a homegrown initiative that embodies the philosophy of “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” — a country is built by its own people. This locally driven approach ensures that our unique needs and challenges are addressed by solutions tailored to our context. By investing in local innovation, we keep financial resources within the country, stimulating economic growth and development.
Moreover, a homegrown solution like TelOne’s Smart Traffic Management System showcases the prowess of Zimbabwean education and skill sets, demonstrating that our expertise is more than capable of addressing local problems.
This approach also prioritises national security considerations, including data sovereignty, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected and under our control. By embracing local solutions, we are building a more self-sufficient and resilient nation.
The Smart Traffic Management System’s implementation is a strategic fit for Zimbabwe’s unique challenges, aligning perfectly with the country’s Education 5.0 model. This model emphasises innovation, research and community engagement, all of which are integral to the system’s locally driven approach.
By utilising local expertise and resources, the initiative fosters knowledge transfer, skills development and national pride, promoting self-reliance and sustainability.
The localised approach also offers practical benefits, enabling rapid implementation at a relatively lower cost.
It facilitates community buy-in and mobilises local resources, which in turn enhances confidence in the local financial landscape. By investing in homegrown solutions, Zimbabwe is contributing to its own economic development, showcasing a commitment to harnessing local talent and resources to drive progress.
The Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System has made significant strides, showcasing impressive capabilities in its Proof-of-Concept demonstration.
Notably, the system can identify vehicle owners through integrated databases with ZINARA and CVR, notify violators and enable them to review evidence of offences.
It detects various traffic infractions, including red-light infractions, speeding, disobeying stop signs and improper lane changes, among others. These are the very things that cause traffic chaos, particularly on a rainy day.
The system’s advanced features include compatibility with various image capture devices, a modular structure for phased implementation and high availability with built-in redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms. It enables real-time data processing and analysis, collecting rich traffic data for advanced analytics.
Moreover, the system can be configured for crime management functions, such as crowd detection, pickpocketing detection and loitering detection, making it a versatile tool for enhancing public safety and security. In case you just missed it, yes, I said pickpocketing! This solution goes beyond traffic safety.
We have always said, Harare is not Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe is not Harare. Accordingly, the system will be implemented in a phased way, with Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo and other urban centres like Chinhoyi, Kadoma and Victoria Falls standing to benefit.
A phased approach to the Smart Traffic Management System’s roll out allows for adaptability and refinement as the project progresses.
By implementing the system in stages, the project team can test and refine the system in initial locations, identify and address challenges or areas for improvement, generate revenue from the initial roll out and use this revenue to fuel further growth and deployment in subsequent phases.
This enables the project to mitigate risks, optimise system performance and expand operations efficiently, ultimately ensuring sustainability through self-generated funding. By leveraging revenue generated from early phases, the project can scale up and reach more areas without relying heavily on external funding, promoting long-term viability.
To those who ever questioned the logic behind the Mutapa Investment Fund’s potential involvement in the Smart Traffic Management System, the answer is now clear.
The Mutapa Investment Fund has committed to providing funding for the roll out of Phase 1 of the Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System, targeting 20 sites in Harare. So this is a Government project, implemented by a quasi-government entity (TelOne) and funded by a quasi-governmental entity (Mutapa). Talk of Nyika Inovakwa nevene vayo.
Sceptics who doubt the feasibility of the Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System are misinformed.
Recent examples, such as the Trabablas Interchange project, demonstrate that ambitious infrastructure initiatives can transition from conceptual stages to tangible realities. This track record of successful project implementation should instil confidence in the potential of the Smart Traffic Management System.
The system’s national project status underscores its strategic importance and potential impact on the nation’s development. This designation will facilitate prioritisation, expedite implementation and ensure the allocation of necessary resources. With this level of commitment and support, it’s clear that the project is poised for success, and its benefits will soon be felt across the country.
This Smart Traffic Management System is a win-win solution for Zimbabwe. On one hand, it will significantly reduce the number of lives lost or limbs maimed on our roads, particularly due to the reckless behaviour of some kombi drivers. The carnage on our roads has been a national concern, and this system will help bring much-needed discipline to our transportation sector.
On the other hand, the system will also have a positive impact on the economy. The insurance industry has been struggling to operate profitably in Zimbabwe due to the high number of premature claims resulting from road accidents.
With the Smart Traffic Management System in place, the number of accidents is expected to decrease, making it more viable for insurance companies to operate. Those who continue to drive irresponsibly will face the financial consequences of their actions, and it will be a case of self-inflicted financial hardship.
The Smart Traffic Management System will also collect valuable data on traffic volumes and patterns, which will inform the planning and construction of our roads.
This data will enable authorities to design and build roads that are tailored to the specific needs of each area, reducing congestion and improving safety. By leveraging this data, Zimbabwe can create a more efficient and effective transportation infrastructure, which will have long-term benefits for the economy and the general public.
The Smart Traffic Management System stands out as a beacon of hope in Zimbabwe’s fight against corruption, particularly in the traffic management sector.
By automating the detection and enforcement of traffic infractions, the system significantly reduces the potential for human intervention, thereby minimising opportunities for corrupt practices. Given the prevalence of corruption in Zimbabwe, especially in areas with human interface, the system’s automated nature makes it nearly corruption-proof, ensuring a fairer and more transparent enforcement of traffic laws.
This innovative solution deserves widespread applause. Only those who flagrantly disregard road traffic rules and corrupt officers who exploit the public should be concerned. Law-abiding citizens should rally behind this initiative, which brings much-needed order to our roads. While technology can enhance road safety, it’s up to us to cultivate good manners and courtesy on the roads.
These qualities aren’t taught by technology, but rather instilled through empathy and responsible behaviour. By embracing this initiative and adopting a culture of respect and consideration, we can transform our roads into a pleasure to drive on.
