Parents Pay for Safety, Children Ride into Risk

As the school bell rings each morning, thousands of Zimbabwean children squeeze into overloaded, unregistered vehicles, some driven by intoxicated operators — turning daily commutes into dangerous gambles that have left parents, educators, and authorities deeply alarmed.

What began as a practical solution for working parents has spiraled into a safety crisis.

In suburbs like Budiriro, Warren Park, Westgate, and Kambuzuma, commuter omnibuses and small private cars have become unofficial school buses — often operating without registration, insurance, or basic safety standards.

Tendekai Sambo, a mother from Budiriro, pays US$6 every Monday for her son Jayden’s ride to school.

“The thought of him navigating the chaotic streets alone is unbearable,” she said.

Like many parents, she places her trust in the driver — a trust increasingly betrayed by reckless behaviour and overcrowding.

A recent investigation by The Sunday Mail exposed disturbing scenes across Harare.

At Lorraine Drive, a Nissan Elgrand arrived packed with children, some sitting on each other’s laps.

To avoid detection, learners were instructed to hold up pieces of cloth as makeshift curtains.

In Warren Park, a Honda Fit dropped off 11 primary school children before the driver — reportedly intoxicated — sped away with loud music blaring.

Stella Mamina, a shop attendant who witnesses the routine daily, expressed deep concern.

“This happens almost every school day. The children are picked up here every morning and dropped off around midday.

“Most parents have no idea what’s going on and that worries me,” she said.

Despite these alarming scenes, many parents continue to rely on the same transporters — drawn by affordability and convenience.

Monthly fares range from US$20 to US$25.

One Chitungwiza parent, who uses a private transporter for her two children, explained that they try to stay alert.

“We make sure to observe closely, and any anomalies we notice, we immediately raise the alarm.

“We got the school transportation vehicle through the school and made the owner sign a contract so we can hold him accountable for anything that happens to our children.”

However, many of these arrangements are informal and lack proper oversight.

The risks extend beyond overcrowding and reckless driving — reports of bullying and drug abuse have emerged, especially among secondary school learners.

In one such case, Mrs Maisiri, a concerned parent, recalled a troubling incident.

“We had a situation involving drug and substance abuse. Parents reported the matter to the school and two learners were suspended.

“The vehicle had a contract with the school, so our issue was easier to handle. Since then, the school now provides a teacher to accompany every school run.”

Authorities have raised the alarm.

According to Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, school transporters are legally considered public transport operators and must meet the same requirements.

“Ferrying schoolchildren is no different from operating public transport.

“There are safety requirements that must be met, chief among them being possession of a valid driver’s licence, undergoing retesting where necessary and holding a defensive driving certificate.

“Failure to meet these requirements should result in arrest,” he noted.

He further warned that operating without proper authorisation is a criminal offence.

“Overloading is also a crime in itself. It endangers public lives.”

The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) is preparing to launch a nationwide operation targeting errant school transporters.

“It is a cause for concern and we must act urgently to prevent future danger.

“Some wayward drivers have already been arrested and now we are ready to go all out and put this problem behind us,” said a TSCZ representative.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is also stepping in.

Permanent Secretary Moses Mhike emphasised that learner safety must be a top priority.

“Ordinarily, parents should not engage a school-run vehicle without involving the school, because certain requirements must be met by all parties for accountability.”

He revealed that the ministry is working with provincial education directors to develop safer, more structured transport systems.

“We want every school to own a bus and use it to ferry learners. This way, it becomes easier to hold the school accountable.

“Schools do not hire unlicensed drivers and school employees follow strict rules, so tracing accountability in cases of misconduct becomes straightforward.”

As the crackdown intensifies, parents are being urged to remain vigilant and demand transparency in transport arrangements.

With children’s lives at stake, the call for safe, regulated school transport has never been more urgent.