Matebeleland Pulse Reporter
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Advocate. Felix.T. Mhona, has urged motorists to exercise heightened caution and prioritise road safety as schools reopen for the first term.
In a press statement yesterday, the minister said the reopening of schools will see thousands of learners travelling daily, placing greater responsibility on motorists to ensure their safety. “As schools reopen for the first term, thousands of learners will be travelling daily to and from school. Their safety depends on the vigilance and responsibility of every motorist,” he said.
Hon. Mhona highlighted alarming road traffic statistics recorded during the 2025 festive season. “During the period 15th December to 26th December 2025, Zimbabwe lost 100 lives and recorded 471 injuries due to road traffic crashes – tragedies that were largely preventable,” he said.
The minister attributed many accidents to human error and vehicle defects, citing “unroadworthy vehicles, reckless speeding, driver fatigue, and dangerous decisions such as attempting to cross flooded rivers” as major causes.
He called on drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to avoid risky behaviour. “I therefore urge all drivers to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and roadworthy, to rest adequately before long journeys, and to avoid defective vehicles that put lives at risk,” he said.
Hon. Mhona also warned against speeding, overloading, and driving under the influence of alcohol. “Speed limits must be respected, for speeding is not a demonstration of skill but a direct path to disaster. Overloading vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol are reckless acts that destroy families and will be prosecuted,” he said.
Emphasising the broader responsibility of motorists, the minister said road safety goes beyond compliance with the law. “Road safety is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty. Every motorist carries the responsibility of ensuring that children arrive at school safely and that every traveler returns home alive,” he said.
To support these efforts, Hon. Mhona announced enhanced enforcement and awareness initiatives by relevant authorities. “To reinforce these efforts, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Vehicle Inspectorate Department, Road Motor Transportation, and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe will intensify joint enforcement and awareness campaigns,” he said, adding that “these measures are designed to save lives, not punish.”
He urged motorists to cooperate with authorities, stating that “compliance is the surest way to protect our children and safeguard our nation’s future.”
Concluding his statement, the minister appealed for collective responsibility on the roads. “Let us remember: every safe journey is a victory for Zimbabwe. Drive to save lives. Drive to protect the future,” he said.
