Curtworth Masango and Trust Freddy
ZIMBABWE’S six professional drivers who represented the country at the 33rd UICR Professional Driver World Championship in Germany have been honoured upon their return, with the top performer earning a promotion and a cash reward.
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) promoted Sergeant Sithembisile Sibanda to the rank of Staff Sergeant and awarded her US$1 000 after she emerged as the country’s best performer at the championships, finishing ninth in the bus category.
The other five ZNA drivers received US$200 each in recognition of their performances.
Staff Sergeant Sibanda, the delegation’s only female competitor, recorded Zimbabwe’s highest placing at the championships, which attracted 130 professional drivers from 12 countries.
Chief of Staff Quartermaster Staff Major-General Simo Maseko, who represented Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, said the team had done the country proud despite competing against some of the world’s most experienced professional drivers.
“This was no ordinary driving competition. It was a true test of professionalism, discipline, precision, adaptability and composure, especially under pressure,” he said.
Maj-Gen Maseko announced the promotion and reward during a reception for the returning delegation at Army Headquarters in Harare yesterday.
The reception was jointly hosted by the ZNA and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe. “Sibanda achieved the best position among all our representatives in a male-dominated field,” said Maj-Gen Maseko. “She came ninth, which is quite a milestone, having finished in the top 10 in her category. The Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army has seen it fit to promote Sergeant Sibanda to the rank of Staff Sergeant.”
Maj-Gen Maseko said the drivers had distinguished themselves against competitors from established motoring nations, including Germany, the United States, Finland and Belgium.
Zimbabwe was the only African country represented at the championships.
“These are no mean achievements. You represented Zimbabwe with distinction, and we are proud of you,” he said.
“You left Zimbabwe as competitors, but you have returned as pioneers and pathfinders who have opened the way for those who will participate in future competitions.”
TSCZ vice board chairperson Ms Lizwe Bunu said the delegation’s performance demonstrated that Zimbabwean professional drivers could compete with the best in the world.
“You did not merely participate; you demonstrated excellence in driving and road safety,” she said.
“By showcasing defensive driving, vehicle-handling techniques and professional etiquette abroad, you reminded us that professional driving is an art, a science and a vital pillar of economic development.”
Speaking on behalf of the team, drivers’ representative Corporal Khulekani Nkomo thanked the ZNA leadership and TSCZ for supporting their participation.
“We assure you that the knowledge and skills we acquired in Germany will be put to good use through proper vehicle maintenance and driver training to help reduce road accidents and save lives,” he said.
“We sincerely thank the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe for organising the local competition, facilitating our participation in the international championships and ensuring that we had everything we needed.
“We were given a platform not only to compete, but also to champion road safety and celebrate professionalism in driving.”
The competition, held in Eppelheim, Germany, from September 8 to 14, tested drivers in technical courses, commercial vehicle handling and international road safety standards.
Organised by the Union Internationale des Chauffeurs Routiers (UICR), the championship is a global safety and precision skills competition that focuses on professional competence rather than speed.
Participants are assessed on intricate low-speed manoeuvres, vehicle inspection, eco-driving and advanced theoretical knowledge aimed at promoting international road safety standards.
Staff Sergeant Sibanda delivered Zimbabwe’s standout performance, finishing ninth in the bus category, while Corporal Thabani Sibangani Nkomo came 22nd in the same category.
In the rigid truck category, Mr Tinashe Muteliso of Unki Mine finished 18th, while Corporal Prince Sibanda placed 23rd.
In the articulated truck category, Sergeant Farai Katsande was ranked 25th, while retired Sergeant Fannele Masuku finished 30th.
