The Zimbabwean Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development’s recent decision to reduce the operational radius for kombis from 120 kilometers to 60 kilometers is a commendable step toward improving road safety. This new regulation, effective from September 3, 2024, reflects a well-meaning effort to address the high number of traffic accidents involving kombis on long-distance routes. However, while the policy itself is promising, its success hinges entirely on the effectiveness of enforcement—a challenge that Zimbabwe must tackle head-on, particularly in the context of corruption and inconsistent oversight.
At the heart of the Ministry’s directive is the requirement for all kombis to install speed-limiting and monitoring devices, as prescribed by Section 3 (1) of Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023. This regulation aims to reduce speeding and reckless driving, which are leading causes of road traffic accidents. While the installation of these devices is an essential safety measure, it is crucial that enforcement agencies ensure full compliance. This will require stringent checks before issuing any certificates of fitness to kombis. However, merely having regulations on paper is not enough; the real test lies in the hands of law enforcement officers and inspectors tasked with upholding the law.
In many cases, enforcement in Zimbabwe has been weakened by corruption. Corrupt practices—where traffic officers or certification officials accept bribes in exchange for allowing unfit kombis to operate—pose a significant risk to road safety. For this policy to succeed, a strong, corruption-free enforcement system is vital. The Ministry must prioritize mechanisms to detect and eliminate bribery, with a clear message of zero tolerance for any such activities. Without this, even the best policies risk being undermined by non-compliance, leaving passengers and road users exposed to danger.
Another major enforcement challenge will be maintaining vigilance over the compliance of speed-limiting devices and the proper use of designated stopping points for kombis. Enforcement officers must be consistently alert to ensure that kombis operating within the 60 km radius do not exceed speed limits or violate stopping regulations, as improper practices can contribute to accidents and road damage. It is critical that the authorities enforce the requirement for kombis to use designated bus stops, as this policy aims to prevent damage to recently refurbished roads and protect infrastructure investment.
For Zimbabwe’s roads to become safer, law enforcement must be proactive and persistent. Sporadic checks or selective enforcement will only lead to partial success. Regular inspections, roadblocks, and audits will need to be carried out to keep operators compliant, while those found violating the law should face strict penalties.
Enforcing the kombi restrictions requires more than just vigilance—it requires a robust, corruption-resistant enforcement system. Corruption in the transport sector has long been a barrier to effective regulation, and tackling this head-on is essential for the new policy to have any lasting impact. Combating corruption will require introducing stronger oversight, transparent processes, and perhaps even digital solutions to minimize human interference in the certification and enforcement stages.
Zimbabwe has seen many well-intentioned policies fail due to poor enforcement practices, which have allowed unsafe vehicles to continue operating through corrupt means. To break this cycle, the Ministry must implement measures that ensure that law enforcement officials act with integrity. This may involve additional training for officers, public awareness campaigns, and strict penalties for any individuals caught engaging in bribery or non-compliance with safety regulations.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development’s policy to restrict kombi routes to a 60 km radius is an important move toward improving road safety and protecting public infrastructure. However, the key to its success lies in rigorous enforcement. A combination of vigilant oversight, regular inspections, and a strong stance against corruption is essential for this policy to achieve its intended goals. Without these elements, the policy risks falling victim to the same enforcement failures that have plagued other regulations in the past. For Zimbabwe’s roads to become safer and for the transport system to evolve, enforcement must be consistent, transparent, and free from corruption. Only through strong, ethical enforcement will the benefits of this new policy be realized, ensuring that kombi operators, passengers, and other road users are truly protected.
