Defensive driving demo aims to curb carnage in Namibia

The event – the first of its kind – not only showcased high-level driving techniques, but also served as a public call for a shift in driver behaviour. Speaking to My.na Cars (airing tonight at 21:00 on DStv channel 285 and GOtv 25), John Haufiku, Corporate Affairs Manager at the MVA Fund, emphasised the initiative’s life-saving purpose.



“Over the last two years, we’ve seen a rise in road crashes, which has tragically resulted in more injuries and fatalities,” Haufiku said. “This event forms part of our broader strategy to reduce these numbers through behaviour-focused training.”



While the MVA Fund trains around 100 to 120 drivers each year, Friday’s event was an open-day demonstration, offering the public, media, and stakeholders a glimpse into what formal defensive driving training involves. The goal? To take essential knowledge beyond the classroom and reach a wider audience.



“This was about sharing practical elements of the training with more people,” Haufiku explained. “We had 50 trained participants, but the day was also about inviting their friends, the media, and interested members of the public. Eventually, we’d like to see up to 1,000 people attending these events—learning, connecting, and ultimately becoming safer drivers.”



The demonstrations included realistic driving scenarios like tyre blowouts, emergency swerves, and obstacle avoidance—critical skills for navigating Namibia’s long, and often challenging, road network.



A critical need

Defensive driving is especially vital in a country like Namibia, where travelling between towns often means driving hundreds of kilometres. “Long distances lead to speeding and impatience,” said Haufiku. “Defensive driving helps drivers react calmly and safely when something unexpected happens.”



Gotlieb Nambandi, a senior instructor at Riverside Advanced Driving Academy, led the demonstrations. He introduced techniques like the “zigzag” – a controlled swerve method that lets drivers avoid hazards without braking sharply, which can cause vehicles to overturn.



“The car must not own you; you must own the car,” Nambandi said. “Zigzagging is one of the most effective ways to prevent a crash while keeping control. It’s about coordination of mind and body—knowing when and how to act.”



Participants also learned about correct driving posture, the “10 to 2” steering grip, and how to stay composed when faced with sudden obstacles like animals or children in the road.



“Most people panic in a crisis. Some freeze, close their eyes, or even let go of the steering wheel,” said Nambandi. “Defensive driving trains you to stay in control. It’s not just a skillset—it’s a mindset.”



Competency-based courses

Haufiku added that the MVA Fund regularly advertises upcoming training sessions on social media, and collaborates with companies looking to lower accident rates among their drivers.



Courses are competency-based and include both theoretical and practical components. On completion, participants receive a certificate valid for three to five years, depending on updates in vehicle technology.



“Think of it as the university level of driving,” Haufiku said. “Driving school teaches you the basics. Advanced driving gives you the tools to handle real emergencies and makes you more than just an average driver.”



The next intake for defensive driving training is expected in around two months. Interested individuals and organisations are encouraged to follow the MVA Fund on Facebook and Instagram for updates and registration details.



As Namibia works to improve its road safety record in line with global targets, initiatives like this send a clear, urgent message: defensive driving saves lives.