Presidential Advisor on Non-Governmental Organisations, Martha Kwataine, convened a meeting with Kabaza operators at Lingadzi Inn in Lilongwe on January 18, 2024, in response to public concerns about motorcycle-related road accidents. Addressing the gathering, Kwataine expressed distress over the escalating number of accidents on Malawi’s roads and advised operators to exercise caution, adhering to all prescribed rules for the safety of themselves and their passengers. Kwataine highlighted the adverse economic effects of the accidents and emphasized President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s concern about the high mortality rate and accident frequency.
In an effort to encourage responsible behavior, Kwataine urged stakeholders to implement a system of rewards for operators who demonstrate exemplary conduct by avoiding accidents over a specific period. Joseph Petulo, President of the Kabaza Association of Malawi, applauded Dr. Chakwera for the well-constructed roads that have contributed to accident reduction. Petulo also commended Kwataine for initiating dialogue with Kabaza stakeholders and pledged collaboration with the government to minimize accidents. He lamented the occurrence of accidents, attributing them to the use of unregistered and uninsured motorcycles, as well as overloading.
Thokozani Chenjezi, the Communications Officer of the Road Safety Alert Foundation (ROSAF), expressed appreciation for President Chakwera’s efforts in constructing quality roads that have played a role in decreasing accidents during his presentation.
“We are so grateful to the current administration led by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera. The good road designs have helped to reduce road accidents especially those involving Kabaza operators,” said Chenjezi.
Kabaza Association was registered in 2014 and seeks to enhance the welfare of kabaza operators in Malawi.
