Shona, Ndebele Highway Code to be distributed thi...

Shona, Ndebele Highway Code to be distributed this week

Zim Now Writer

On the back of fatal road accidents, the bulk of which have been attributed to human error, government has moved to avail Shona and Ndebele versions of driving manual, the Highway Code.

Work on translating the manual into the other 13 official languages is also on the cards.

Zimbabwe’s Constitution recognises 16 official languages, which include sign language.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the distribution of 20 000 copies in Shona and Ndebele will begin this week while additional copies will be printed based on demand, as part of an initiative to make learning road rules and regulations inclusive.

“An initial number of 10 000 books for each language is currently under production and these are expected to be available to the public on November 4, 202,” said Mhona.

The minister said confining the Highway Code to English, he added, made it difficult for those who prefer indigenous languages.

“Some people understand the processes and systems of driving concepts better in their native languages than the foreign language, and no one will be hindered from obtaining a driver’s licence due to the language barrier,” he said.

He added that the Highway Code, a manual that seeks to highlight the main legal, regulatory and practical aspects of road usage, will be available for US$5 or local currency equivalent at the official exchange rate.

Mhona added that it is hope that as more people understand the rules and regulations, they become conscious, a development that leads to a reduction in road crashes and fatalities.

He also said this will benefit everyone, including schoolchildren who will be able to understand the rules and regulations on road usage in languages they interact better with.