Over 100 Bulawayo Girls Enrol for Free Provisional Driving Lessons

More than 100 girls from Bulawayo have registered for a five-day free provisional driving lessons programme initiated by Zimbabwe Liberated Girl Child in Action (ZLGCA), as the organisation intensifies efforts to empower young women with practical skills and promote independence.

The initiative, running from November 9 to 13, 2026, is being conducted in partnership with the ZANU PF Bulawayo Province Youth League and is specifically designed to equip the girl child with essential driving knowledge and road safety awareness.

ZLGCA founder Mrs Annah Mabhena said the programme was part of her organisation’s commitment to ensuring that no girl child is left behind in the country’s development agenda.

She said empowering girls with practical skills was essential in opening opportunities, promoting self-reliance and enabling them to participate meaningfully in national development.

“Our mission is to make sure that no girl child is left behind as Zimbabwe moves towards Vision 2030. His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has consistently emphasised that no one and no place must be left behind, and we are determined to contribute towards that vision by empowering the girl child,” said Mrs Mabhena.

She said the driving lessons were intended to give participants an opportunity to acquire knowledge that could help them become confident, responsible and independent road users.

The programme is being held at the ZLGCA offices at 21 Jason Moyo Street, between First Street and Connaught Avenue, at Scripture Union in Bulawayo.

Participants are also being encouraged to obtain the official Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe Highway Code, which is available for purchase at the organisation’s offices.

Meanwhile, ZANU PF Bulawayo Province Youth League Vice Chairman Cde Mehluli Mlotshwa expressed excitement over the response from girls in Ward 4, describing the turnout as encouraging.

He said more than 100 participants had registered for the five-day provisional driving lessons, applauding the organisation for coming up with an initiative that directly benefits young women.

Cde Mlotshwa said such empowerment programmes demonstrated the importance of partnerships between community organisations and other stakeholders in advancing opportunities for young people.

Ms Memory Ncube from Ward 4, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the first day of lessons as encouraging and informative.

“Today was our first day, and the lessons are moving smoothly. I am very grateful for this empowerment programme because the lessons are clear and easy to understand. I am confident that by Saturday I will have acquired my provisional licence,” she said.

The initiative reflects the growing importance of practical skills development in empowering women and promoting their participation in economic and social activities.

Through the partnership between ZLGCA and ZANU PF Youth League, the programme is providing young women with an opportunity to take a step towards greater independence while promoting responsible driving and road safety.

As Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030, initiatives that equip communities, particularly women and young people, with practical skills remain important in ensuring inclusive development and leaving no one and no place behind.