By Tendai Makaripe
For Tatenda Sibanda, 25, and Lydia Nyoni, 40, Tuesday, February 28, began like any other day.
They had plans, likely bid their loved ones farewell, and set out on their journey, unaware that it would end in tragedy. Both were passengers in a silver Toyota Regius, driven by 26-year-old Tichawanda Musanjeya.
The vehicle, packed with 11 passengers, was on its way along the Zvishavane-Masvingo road when disaster struck. At the 53-kilometre peg, one of the tyres burst without warning. The car swerved uncontrollably and overturned violently, throwing their lives into chaos. Sibanda and Nyoni lost their lives instantly, while 10 others sustained severe injuries.
This tragedy is a reminder of the daily dangers that lurk on Zimbabwe’s roads. A significant factor contributing to these dangers is the widespread presence of counterfeit tyres.
The Impact of Counterfeit Tyres
Tyres are a fundamental component of road safety, yet counterfeit tyres are flooding Zimbabwe’s market, undermining this vital element. Counterfeit tyres are made to resemble genuine, branded products but are produced using substandard materials and manufacturing processes.
These tyres are typically sold under well-known brand names, though their production is not authorised or supervised by the original manufacturers. “These tyres are unreliable and unsafe,” said road traffic and safety advocate Macleo Mapfumo.
“They lack the durability, quality, and safety features of genuine tyres, making them prone to blowouts, especially in high-pressure situations or hot weather conditions.” Research has shown that these tyres often perform poorly, particularly in adverse weather such as rain.
Their reduced traction increases the likelihood of accidents. A 2012 survey by the Motor Vehicle Association of Zimbabwe revealed that tyre bursts were responsible for 95% of road accidents that year, underscoring the dangers associated with counterfeit tyres.
Despite advancements in vehicle safety, the quality of tyres remains a significant threat on the roads.
“Counterfeit tyres wear out quickly, perform poorly in rain, and often lead to crashes due to blowouts and reduced handling capabilities,” said Lucy Kuwandira Mapfumo, media and corporate communications officer at the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe. “Motorists must ensure they purchase tyres from reputable dealers to avoid these risks.”
Economic Pressures and the Temptation of Cheap Tyres
However, the dangers of counterfeit tyres are compounded by the economic pressures facing many Zimbabweans. With rising inflation and stagnant incomes, people are saving money. Counterfeit tyres, though cheaper, provide immediate financial relief.
But this cost-saving decision comes with hidden dangers.
The long-term consequences of using substandard tyres include frequent replacements, increased fuel consumption, and, most tragically, road accidents. A survivor of the February 28 crash, who preferred to remain anonymous, recalled the traumatic event: “The driver didn’t even have time to react. It all happened so fast. We trusted the vehicle, but no one checked the tyres. I’ll never forget that day.”
The survivor’s words highlight the blind trust many motorists place in their vehicles, often neglecting to consider that the tyres, which form the foundation of a car’s safety, might be substandard. This blind trust, driven by the temptation of cheaper tyres, further endangers lives. Local tyre dealer Tafadzwa Chimbodza from Ruwa acknowledged the economic pressures driving people to buy cheaper tyres.
“However, this highlights a crucial point: when safety is compromised to save money, the consequences can be deadly,” he said.
“In Zimbabwe, the financial strain on many people makes it harder to afford genuine tyres, and counterfeit products become the only viable option, despite the serious risks.”
The Smuggling Networks: A Growing Problem
However, it’s not just economic pressures that drive the demand for counterfeit tyres.
Smuggling networks play a significant role in their proliferation.
These tyres often evade customs checks through porous borders, with smugglers falsifying documents and bypassing quality inspections. Governance analyst Jethro Makumbe noted that the presence of counterfeit goods reflects weaknesses in enforcement and border control.
“Vehicles and parts, including tyres, are frequently smuggled into Zimbabwe through illegal routes, undermining the country’s economic stability and public safety,” he said.
“These tyres enter the market through dubious dealers who sell them at a fraction of the price of authentic products, creating a dangerous financial incentive for consumers.”
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube added, “Smuggling undermines local industries, disrupts value chains, and creates an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses. It also hampers revenue collection and deters investment in our local industries.”
Government Response: Cracking Down on the Issue
While the government has made efforts to fight smuggling, the challenge remains significant. Counterfeit tyres continue to infiltrate the market, and stronger enforcement of laws, coupled with heightened public awareness, is essential for these measures to be effective in the long term.
Consumer Awareness: The First Line of Defence
While government crackdowns are crucial, empowering consumers with the knowledge to make safer choices is equally important. Through visual demonstrations and mobile tyre safety checks, these campaigns help consumers identify genuine tyres and understand the risks associated with choosing cheaper, substandard alternatives.
“Investing in genuine tyres is an investment in personal and family safety,” said Mapfumo. “By arming consumers with the knowledge to make informed choices, these initiatives can play a key role in reducing the number of counterfeit tyres on Zimbabwe’s roads.”
Legal and Policy Framework
The issue of counterfeit tyres intersects with various legal frameworks that seek to protect public safety. Zimbabwe’s Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal security, placing an obligation on the state to safeguard citizens from avoidable dangers.
Counterfeit tyres, by compromising road safety, directly challenge this fundamental right. The state has a constitutional duty to regulate the sale of such products and ensure that all goods sold meet safety standards.
The Road Motor Transportation Act and the Road Traffic Act are crucial in establishing regulations for road safety, demanding that vehicles, including tyres, be safe and fit for use. By allowing counterfeit tyres to proliferate, these regulations are undermined, putting road users at unnecessary risk.
Furthermore, Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasise the importance of safe infrastructure and road safety as part of the broader goal of building a resilient, sustainable nation. Specifically, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) call for efforts to reduce road traffic accidents—a goal that is directly threatened by counterfeit tyres.
The government must ensure that marginalized communities, who are often most affected by the economic pressures driving people to purchase counterfeit tyres, are not left at greater risk.
Providing safe, affordable alternatives for all road users aligns with Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusivity, as outlined in both national development plans and international agreements.
In the fight for road safety, it is not only about individual actions—it is about ensuring a system that prioritises the well-being of all road users, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of a safer, more prosperous future.
