Electric panel van handed over to President Mnangagwa by BYD Harare Chapter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has emphasized the importance of adopting modern technologies for any country aspiring to achieve development and modernization. In a world increasingly leaning towards sustainable solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining prominence as a viable alternative to fossil fuel-powered cars.

This week, the BYD Harare chapter, a subsidiary of the Chinese automotive giant Build Your Dreams (BYD), presented an electric panel van to President Mnangagwa at the State House. During the handover, company officials showcased the functions of ten different vehicles, highlighting the innovative features of electric transport.

In his remarks, President Mnangagwa asserted that embracing the latest technology is crucial for Zimbabwe’s modernization journey. “A developing country with a desire to modernize must embrace the latest technology. Zimbabwe is among the nations in the region committed to this path,” he stated.

Dr. Patrick Masocha, CEO of Electric Vehicle Centre Africa, the local arm of BYD, echoed the President’s sentiments, stressing the need for increased incentives to facilitate the importation of electric vehicles. “Since we started selling in 2019, our focus has been on electric vehicles. The challenge lies in the importation of fuel. Once we address that, the transition will be smoother,” he explained.

During a recent visit to China, President Mnangagwa toured BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen, where he was introduced to the latest advancements in their vehicle range. This engagement signifies Zimbabwe’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its transport sector, aiming to create a more sustainable future. As countries worldwide pivot towards greener alternatives, Zimbabwe’s steps towards electric vehicles reflect a broader trend in seeking innovative solutions to address environmental challenges and enhance economic growth.

In other news – Kombi driver sentenced to 17 months in prison

In a tragic turn of events, 26-year-old Kelvin Mhasi, a commuter omnibus driver from Hatcliffe, has been sentenced to 17 months in prison after being convicted of culpable homicide related to a fatal road accident. The sentencing was delivered by Harare magistrate Apollonia Marutya, who emphasized the gravity of Mhasi’s actions that led to the untimely death of pedestrian Sylvester Koniki.

The court proceedings revealed that Mhasi, initially pleading not guilty, was ultimately found guilty of driving at excessive speeds on September 12, 2024. Read More

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