Story by Oleen Ndori
HARARE-GOVERNMENT is set to accelerate the implementation of a Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System aimed at reducing road traffic accidents and traffic law violations.
In a post cabinet media briefing this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere confirmed that the implementation of the Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System will help save lives on the country’s roads and address challenges like unwarranted traffic congestion.
“Government is set to accelerate the implementation of a Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System, after Cabinet had approved rolling out of a Proof of Concept in 2020 which was subsequently utilised during the COVID-19 period and thereafter. This is meant to address unwarranted traffic congestion, road accidents and traffic law violations. This innovative system utilises advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data analytics to enhance traffic flow, road safety and transparency. The system, developed by TelOne, comprises several key components, including Command and Control Centres, intelligent cameras with Automatic Number Plate and Face Recognition, AI based video analytics, a platform that predicts traffic patterns and optimises signals, and an enforcement system for automatic fine issuance, as well as mobile interfaces for fine payment and real-time updates.
“The Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System is tailored to address Zimbabwe’s unique challenges in law-and-order subspace. The system is capable of identifying vehicle owners through captured images as well as through integrated databases of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), and the Civil Registry. It detects a wide range of traffic infractions, including red-light violations, speeding, disobeying stop signs, wrong-way driving, illegal parking, failure to wear seatbelts, traffic sign or road marking violations, improper lane changes, and many others. It then notifies violators and enables them to review evidence of the offence. Additionally, the system is configured to perform various other crime management functions, such as crowd detection and monitoring, pickpocketing and loitering, among others,” he said.
The National Gender Policy was also proposed and approved by Cabinet.
“The National Gender Policy (2025) aims to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe, recognising the diversity of different groups and the need to address stereotypes and prejudices about gender roles. The policy is informed by regional, continental, and global legal frameworks and conventions that promote gender equality, as well as the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender, disability, and marital status. The Policy’s objectives are to promote gender equality and equity in all sectors, set national priorities, provide a guiding framework for gender mainstreaming, and strengthen coordinated planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of gender-related programmes. The Policy is guided by the following principles: promoting equality and non-no discrimination; leaving no one behind; doing no harm; inclusion of persons living with disability; respecting non-harmful customary, cultural and religious practices; involving males; and ensuring accountability,” Minister Muswere said.
Issues relating to the establishment of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, along with preparations to host a Regional Conference on the Parole System in Africa this year were also discussed.
