officials pose in front of the vehicles which will be part of the driving school fleet
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Joshua Sacco, has said whilst road infrastructure is being improved throughout the country, driver behaviour and negligence is eroding the gains which are being made.
He added that for the country’s road infrastructure to be fully developed, it was everyone’s duty to ensure safety and efficient services.
Deputy Minister Sacco revealed this at the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Chikurubi Damview Resort on Wednesday, where he was representing Minister Felix Mhona during the commissioning of the ZPCS Driving School.
The driving school which will be at Chikurubi Training School, is currently offering ZPCS officers with structured training programmes including oral classes and practical instruction for Class 4, Class 2 and Class 1 licences free of charge.
“This driving school is, therefore, a fitting complement to such infrastructure investments of ensuring that we also invest in the human capital needed to use our roads safely and responsibly.
“As the Ministry responsible for transport, we remain concerned with the rising rate of road traffic accidents.
“Despite the considerable work done to modernise and expand the national road network, the human factor which is driver behaviour and negligence, continues to undermine these gains.
“The launch of ZPCS Driving School directly responds to this challenge, through focusing and promoting structured driver education, discipline and a culture of safety,” said Deputy Minister Sacco.
He went to pay tribute to President Mnangagwa for his leadership which has seen Government making “transformative strides in the rehabilitation and expansion of the country’s road infrastructure.
“Under the Second Republic, we have seen significant improvements that are enhancing mobility, facilitating trade and supporting national economic development.”
Deputy Minister Sacco further revealed that the event was a clear and timely response to a national imperative of improving road safety, transport discipline and institutional self-reliance.
“Let me begin by congratulating Commissioner-General Chihobvu and your team, for this forward-looking initiative.
“The operational demands placed on a modern correctional system are increasing and it is encouraging to witness institutions rising to meet that challenge through innovation and self-development,” said Deputy Minister Sacco.
He also praised the plans by ZPCS to extend training services to the public, saying it positions “the school not only as a centre for internal professionalism but also as a contributor to broader national skills development. This inclusive approach is fully aligned with the Second Republic’s development philosophy of “Leaving no one and no place behind”, as it opens doors for communities to access essential life and employability skills.
“It also reflects a bold and progressive response to the national call for innovation, commercialisation and institutional sustainability which are anchored in the principles of empowerment, access and shared national growth.”
Deputy Minister Sacco also urged the Driving School Instructors to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism as they have the responsibility of shaping the next generation of defensive and responsible drivers, not just within the ZPCS, but potentially across Zimbabwe.
“To the officers and public trainees who will pass through this school, this is more than a driving course. It is an opportunity to be part of a broader national movement towards safer roads, professional service and national pride.
“As we adapt to the demands of a dynamic operating environment, we must continuously up skill our human resources.
“This driving school is therefore a tangible step in that direction and a model for how public sector institutions can align themselves with national priorities.”
In his welcome remarks, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Nobert Mazungunye said the event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation and professionalisation of ZPCS.
“Today’s commissioning of this driving school is a strategic step forward and an initiative designed to complement Government efforts by enhancing the skills and competencies of our officers through specialised driver training.
“We firmly believe this initiative will contribute to the longevity and proper maintenance of the growing fleet, thereby safeguarding both human and material resources.
“Competent and responsible driving is not merely a skill but a core element of public safety and institutional discipline.
“The driving school will be offering structured training programmes including oral classes and practical instruction for Class 4, Class 2 and Class 1 licences.
“As we continue to build this institution, plans are already in motion to expand its services to include vehicle orientation courses, refresher training and specialised VIP driving courses.
“Furthermore, in line with Government’s call for innovation and sustainability within public institutions, I am pleased to announce that the ZPCS Driving School will also offer driving lessons to members of the public.
“This is part of the department’s broader commercialisation strategy aimed at generating revenue to support the school’s operations while also contributing to national human capital development.
“We are confident that the public will benefit from the same high standards of instruction and professionalism expected within our own ranks,” said Deputy Minister Mazungunye.
He added that the commissioning of the driving school showed renewed commitment to service, safety and national development.
ZPCS Superintendent Elliot Mahofisi, the Officer-in-Charge of the newly established driving school said all prison officers who have a passion for driving are eligible for training.
He added that they currently have 10 students who are undergoing induction courses, further revealing that they will also offer refresher courses for current ZPCS drivers.
