30-Year Age Limit for Kombi and Bus Drivers
To address the growing problem of traffic accidents and fatalities the government has announced plans to raise the minimum age for public service vehicle drivers.
Under the proposed changes, bus and kombi (minibus) drivers will now be required to be at least 30 years old, a significant increase from the current minimum age of 25.
Speaking in the Senate last Thursday, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona explained the rationale behind the age limit hike. “Within the SADC region, the minimum age is 30 years for public service vehicles and that will then address the overzealousness of some of these drivers that are driving our public service vehicles,” he said.
Zimbabwe grapples with over 2,000 road traffic accident-related deaths annually, with negligent driving cited as a leading cause. Minister Mhona expressed concern over this unsustainable loss of life, noting that the country is losing close to $406 million per year due to fatalities, injuries, and hospitalizations.
The proposed changes have garnered support from commuters, who have long complained about the reckless behavior of young public service vehicle drivers. “Some of these young bus drivers are reckless on the road, treating public service vehicles like sports cars,” said Mr. Ashwin Chigombe from Hopley, Harare.
However, the Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDCO) raised concerns about the availability of drivers aged 30 and above. “While we understand the need for more mature drivers, we have very mature drivers between 25 and 30 years old,” said ZUDCO president Fradreck Maguramhinga. The union proposed maintaining the 25-year age limit for smaller public service vehicles, such as commuter omnibuses, while implementing the 30-year age requirement for larger buses.
