By Jones Gadama
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, has been widely commended for donating 150 helmets to motorcycle operators in Thyolo Central Constituency, a move described as timely, compassionate and fully aligned with President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s vision and the DPP-led government’s agenda to reduce road accidents and protect Malawian lives.
The donation of 2 helmets per operator comes at a time when motorcycle-related accidents have become a major public safety concern.
Many of the incidents are linked to speeding, overloading, lack of protective gear, and non-compliance with road traffic laws. In Malawi, Kabaza motorcycle taxis are critical for rural transport, but they also record some of the highest risks.
According to Malawi Police Service and Road Safety data, motorcycles are involved in a disproportionate number of road fatalities each year, with head injuries being the leading cause of death.
Station Traffic Officer for Thyolo Police Station, Superintendent Kasim Simon, said in the past six months Thyolo alone registered 11 accidents involving motorcycles: 5 deaths, 1 serious injury, and 5 minor injuries.
“This is why we are saying ‘Chisoti changa, moyo wanga, udindo wanga’ (My helmet, my life, my responsibility),” said Simon, who urged operators to follow traffic laws, respect passenger capacity, and avoid drinking while riding.
Chairperson of the Thyolo Kabaza Association, Chimwemwe Banda, could not hide his appreciation.
“Not a loan, but a good gesture from a leader who cares,” he said, adding that Kabaza operators never thought such support would come.
Dr. Phiri said he was inspired by Rwanda’s example, where organized motorcycle taxis and strict safety enforcement have reduced fatalities.
“I want to see Thyolo registering zero accidents. Not just because we have helmets, but because people are adhering to road traffic laws,” he said.
He added that his office will work with police, traditional leaders, and the Kabaza association to enforce helmet use, register all operators and ensure they have valid licenses.
The Ministry will also conduct road safety sensitization in markets and trading centers and discourage overloading and night riding without proper reflectors.
Across Thyolo and beyond, people are commending Dr. Phiri for his kind, empathetic and caring leadership, and for helping President Mutharika deliver on the DPP government’s promise of safer communities.
The Minister said the donation is not the end but the beginning of bringing order to Kabaza operations in Thyolo Central and across the country.
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to treat road safety as a shared responsibility in line with Malawi Vision 2063’s pillar of human capital development.
