Tino Machakaire, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training and MP for Wedza South, has defended his decision to order a kombi driver to offload 42 schoolchildren from a 15-seater vehicle, insisting it was not political theatre but a matter of child safety.
A video circulating on Saturday shows Machakaire confronting the driver and instructing police officers at the scene to take action, despite the driver’s repeated apologies. The footage sparked a flurry of reactions.
Some Zimbabweans condemned kombi operators for prioritising profit over pupils’ safety. Others pointed the finger at the government for failing to build enough schools in new settlements, forcing children to travel long distances in unsafe conditions.
Critics also accused Machakaire of chasing publicity, suggesting the matter should have been handled through the Cabinet rather than on camera. In their view, the core issue lies not with parents or drivers but with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s failure to expand infrastructure in resettlement areas, leaving families with little choice but to rely on overcrowded school-run kombis.
On Sunday, 15 February, Machakaire adopted a more conciliatory tone, saying he would be open to meeting the driver in a constructive spirit once police procedures have been completed. He said:
“My responsibility to the nation is to ensure that every matter is handled with fairness, by listening carefully and considering the merits of each case.
“I acknowledge the respectful and cooperative attitude this individual has demonstrated, including taking responsibility where appropriate and offering an apology.
“Once law enforcement authorities have concluded their processes, I would be open to meeting with him in a constructive capacity, particularly to share guidance from my experience in the transport sector so that his business operations can succeed while fully complying with legal and safety standards.
“This matter is not about politics or government interests. Our foremost priority must always be the protection and well-being of our children, who are the future of our nation. Ensuring their safety is a responsibility we all share.”
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