A woman receives a certificate on behalf of the winner
Lloyd Shunje
MUTARE – Members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) last Sunday proved their driving expertise at the Traffic Safety Council (TSCZ) National Driver of the Year awards held at Holiday Inn Mutare, with their two drivers winning the rigid lorry and articulated trucks accolades.
In the rigid lorry category, Robert Tazvitya and Norbert Chatikobo won the first and second prizes respectively while Zimbabwe Electrical Transmission Distribution Company (ZETDC)’s Gift Frank won the third prize.
In the articulated truck category, Kinsan Nyati was crowned this year’ champion and went away with a trophy and US$900 cash prize plus an additional US$100 courtesy of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Jorum Gumbo.
His colleague, K. Dube won US$700 cash prize after coming second in the articulated truck category while Munyaradzi Shazhu from Delta Beverages in Bulawayo took third place and won US$400.
In the buses category, Joel Dera of Unki Mine scooped the trophy and a US$800 cash prize with Norman Ranganai of Kyle Preparatory School in Masvingo taking second position worth US$600. Jacob Mangwende of Africa University took third place and walked away with US$300.
In the kombis category, Tonderai Chirima won US$400, Taurai Madzimbamuto US$300 while Blessing Razemba came third and pocketed US$200.
The winners are now set to participate at international level on a date yet to be announced.
Speaking during the ceremony Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development commented TSCZ for the initiative which he said helped motorist to understand the importance of good driving habits.
“Allow me to commend TSCZ for designing good driver improvement competitions which undoubtedly will go a long way in producing disciplined drivers.
“It is very disturbing to note that out of the 1 291 fatal crashes recorded last year, 569 occurred on the recently resurfaced highway (Plumtree – Mutare) followed by Beitbridge – Chirundu so we are calling upon drivers to take this programme seriously to avoid road accidents,” Gumbo said.
Drivers who participated in the competition were drawn from various provinces and one needed have at least a five-year accident-free driving record.local
