By Chisomo Phiri
TotalErnegies Marketing Malawi Limited has launched an initiative dubbed Helmet 4 Life aimed at distributing free helmets to motorcycle taxi or Kabaza operators to ensure their safety on the roads
Speaking during the handover of about 300 helmets to motorcycle operators in Blantyre on Friday November 24,2023, Managing Director for TotalErnegies Marketing Malawi Limited Nerusha Govender said road safety is paramount in saving lives hence the initiative.
“We take safety as a tradition.We also want these kabaza operators to embrace road safety practices,” said Govender
She said at the end of the initiative, they would have distributed 1, 520 helmets to motorcycle taxi operators nationwide.
Govender said under the initiative, TotalErnegies is distributing 100 000 helmets to motorcyclists in 40 countries.
On his part, Kabaza Association of Malawi spokesperson Tonex Yakobe thanked TotalErnegies Marketing Malawi Limited for the initiative that will save people’s lives.
“We will ensure that the helmets are used for the intended purpose,” he said.
Road Safety Alert Foundation Executive Director Joel Jere said they are thankful that the discussions they have had with TotalErnegies Marketing Malawi have beared fruits.
“We know that the number of people dying from kabaza-related accidents is rising, and helmets will ensure that their lives are saved,” he said.
In Malawi,out of 60 percent of injuries caused by road accidents, 49 percent are from motorcycle taxis.
