Staff Writer
HARARE — Zimbabwe has bid farewell to a team of six professional drivers who will represent the country at the 33rd UICR Professional Driver World Championship in Germany.
The team was farewelled during a dinner hosted by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) at Celebration Centre in Borrowdale, Harare, as preparations gather pace for the international competition.
The delegation comprises five male and one female professional driver, with five of the six participants drawn from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Hon. Adv. F.T. Mhona (MP), described the team as ambassadors of Zimbabwe and urged them to represent the country with confidence, discipline and humility.
His keynote address was delivered on his behalf by Mr Vengesa, Director of Strategic Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, who represented the Minister at the farewell event.
Minister Mhona said the championship provided an important platform for Zimbabwean drivers to demonstrate their skills while showcasing the standards expected of professional drivers in the country.
He emphasised the central role played by professional drivers in ensuring an efficient, safe and reliable transport system.
“Professional drivers are at the heart of an efficient, safe and reliable transport system,” the Minister said, noting that drivers play a critical role in connecting communities, supporting businesses, facilitating trade and contributing to national economic development.
He, however, stressed that the responsibility of professional drivers extends beyond transporting people and goods, as they also have a fundamental duty to protect human life on the country’s roads.
The Minister encouraged the team to make the most of their participation by learning from drivers and transport professionals from other countries.
He said the international championship should serve as an opportunity for the Zimbabwean delegation to gain valuable experience and identify best practices that could be adapted to strengthen professional driving standards and road safety in Zimbabwe.
Minister Mhona also commended the TSCZ, transport sector partners, sponsors, trainers and other stakeholders for their contribution towards preparing the team for the championship.
The farewell dinner was attended by TSCZ Board Chairperson Mr K. Sibanda, Managing Director Mr M. Munodawafa, senior Government officials, transport sector stakeholders and the participating drivers.
The participation of the Zimbabwean team comes as the country continues to place greater emphasis on road safety and the professionalisation of the transport sector.
The drivers are expected to carry Zimbabwe’s flag onto the international stage and compete against professional drivers from across the world.
As the team heads to Germany, the message from home is clear: represent the country with pride, compete with excellence and return with knowledge that can help improve road safety and professional driving standards in Zimbabwe.