Faith Ndou
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) is redefining road safety in Gutu District by investing in the future, empowering youth and community members with essential training, education and lifesaving skills.
As part of its ongoing drive to reduce road traffic accidents and improve public safety, TSCZ has trained 110 Road Traffic Safety Champions from communities located along major highways in Gutu.
These champions are now equipped to lead grassroots awareness campaigns, promoting safer road use in their areas.
In a move that combines health and safety, 100 residents across the district’s four constituencies also completed First Aid training which equips locals to respond effectively to emergencies, an important step in reducing fatalities from road crashes with graduation set for this November.
A modern Road Traffic Training Centre is being built at Hwiru Primary School in Mupandawana, designed to teach young learners about traffic signs, pedestrian safety and responsible behaviour on the roads.
During Girl Child Week, the TSCZ also rolled out a three day free learner’s licence training workshop for 62 youths, the majority of whom were girls.
Another 80 girls from Zaka benefited from a similar initiative backed by Africa Ahead Zimbabwe (AAZ) with some having their test fees fully paid.
Masvingo Regional Traffic Safety Manager Esther Kashangura says they are committed to tracking the progress of all participants to ensure the long term impact of these programmes.
“Our goal is not just to improve statistics but to build a safer, more empowered generation one community at a time,” she said.