By Edson Mapani.
The Managing Director of the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, Mr Munesu Munodawafa, has emphasised that there was need to educate people on the old-fashioned mistaken belief that Defensive Driving Certificate, (DDC), is only for bus and truck drivers who are class 1 and 2 license holders to the reality that it is only mandatory for the two categories and a requirement of all driver’s license holders.
“Previously, if somebody left the village to say they wanted to go for DDC, you would know they want either to be a bus driver or a truck driver, otherwise why do DDC?.That thought process needs to change,” he said.
Munodawafa added that, though the laws say it’s mandatory for Class 1 and 2 license holders to have DDCs, their prayer is that this be must cover all license holders.
“Though the law says it is mandatory for those two classes we are determined to change it.Because somehow when I am asleep, I pray for the day we wake up and one word or one voice with authority declares that DDC is now compulsory because we still all interact on the roads.I know my prayer will be answered one day,” said.
He was speaking in his keynote address during the launch of a DDC Online Booking System.
Meanwhile, Munodawafa lauded the launch as a milestone and that the online booking system is part if their continued transformation of embracing technology to improve they way they serve their clients.
“We are taking our services closer to the people by responding to the needs of our clients. We are committed to making our services more accessible, efficient and convenient,” he said.
Munodawafa also implored drivers to be cautious and exercise safety on the roads noting that this must be a personal drive not something that must be done through enforcement.
“I want to encourage everyone that you don’t need the law to force you to be safe.You don’t need a policeman, armed even, to try to force you to stay alive uninjured-just do the right thing!,” he said.
The advent of DDC Online booking and payment system Munodawafa said was done: “in context and guided by our leadership thought process which say, as we develop, we should not leave no-one and no-place behind,” he said.
Munodawafa hailed the partnership they they had with PayNow company acknowledging that they up with a product which they believe seeks to solve inconveniences hitherto faced by Zimbabweans in try to make bookings and payments to get DDC bg making the process easier and friendly.
He also that the ICT team in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development for a job well done.
Prior to devolution , TSCZ operated in six provinces. The transformation process has seen TSCZ expanding presence in the country as in 2024 they moved to Mashonaland East, Mash Central 2025, Matebeland North/South were opened. To date, TSC is in all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe.