Story by Theophilus Chuma
NEARLY two years after surviving a serious road traffic accident in Harare, Ms Pedzisai Mashaire is still waiting for compensation, as Zimbabwe moves to establish a Road Accident Fund aimed at supporting victims of crashes.
Ms Mashaire was injured on May 15 2024 when a commuter omnibus was involved in a crash at the turn-off into Dawn View suburb, a few kilometres from Harare’s central business district.
While public attention around the accident has faded, she says the impact on her life remains severe.
“I was injured in the pelvic area, which severely affected my ability to walk. I had 38 stitches on my leg. The accident was so bad it left me in a very bad space,” Ms Mashaire said.
A former hairdresser and breadwinner for her family, she says her injuries have left her unable to work.
“I worked as a hairdresser, and because of this accident, I can’t stand for long. In fact, I cannot do anything more. I was the breadwinner of my family, and now I am just helpless. I can’t even afford my hospital bills. I have a hanging balance of US$290, which I have failed to settle over the last two years. Right now, even getting US$20 for an X-ray is very impossible. Life indeed has turned for the worse, and the most painful part is I did not get a single cent as compensation from the owner of the commuter omnibus,” she said.
Her case reflects the broader challenges faced by thousands of road accident victims who sustain serious injuries but receive no financial relief.
Government has now acceded to the principles of establishing a Road Accident Fund, with Cabinet approval paving the way for public consultations. The latest consultations were held in Harare two weeks ago.
Limpopo Cross Border Cooperative chairperson Mr Shadreck Mbizo said the proposed fund would provide critical support.
“By establishing this fund, it means accident victims will be able to get the much-needed relief in terms of both medical bill coverage and death benefits. This is a model that is working very well in countries such as South Africa, and by adopting this model, Zimbabwe should also be able to record huge strides to addressing long-standing challenges regarding compensation of those injured in traffic accidents,” he said.
Road traffic accidents remain a major concern, with approximately 30 000 crashes recorded annually. The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe estimates that around 2 000 people die each year as a result of road accidents.
Authorities say the high accident rate underscores the urgency of finalising the Road Accident Fund to ensure victims receive timely assistance.
