Transport MEC intensifies fight against driver’s licence fraud

THE KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, announced a major boost in the fight against corruption at vehicle licence testing stations with the cancellation of more than 146 learner licences and 86 driver’s licences in the province, following investigations that proved their irregularity.

Kaunda made this statement after making an unannounced visit at Rossburgh Testing station, in Queensburgh.

The aim of the visit was to speak to applicants for learner and driver’s licences, and assess measures to fight fraud and corruption.

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Another reason for the visit was to identify gaps in the provision of the services to citizens that require improvement for the entire licence application and testing system.

The learner and driver’s licences were cancelled over the past three years to date as part of the investigations by the Department’s Public Transport Enforcement Services and the Hawks (the SAPS’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) targeting fraud and corruption in testing stations.

There have also been numerous complaints by applicants who have to wait for long hours and hiccups in the booking systems.

Kaunda said he was satisfied to receive first-hand information from people on the ground and promised them the department would work to improve the service.

“These visits to our service centres are aimed at improving the service we give to the public. We want to improve efficiency and professionalism in our work environment and make sure people are served better, with humility, efficiency and responsiveness. We have noted issues raised by applicants and we will act with speed to improve our turnaround time as part of attending to learner and driver licence applications,” said Kaunda. 

Rossburgh is one of the biggest testing stations, having issued 64 546 licence cards (new and renewals) in the past financial year.

At least 21 074 applications were received for bookings for leaner licences during the same period.

Currently, the Department of Transport, working with the police, are investigating more than 12 cases of fraud and corruption, and concerning recent cases, Kaunda vowed that arrests are imminent as those who commit crime should be taken out of the system.

“We don’t and won’t tolerate people who are committing fraud and corruption at our testing stations. As part of curbing fraud and corruption, we are also investing resources towards improving technology to monitor all activities in testing stations. Corruption at testing stations also contributes to high levels of crashes and fatalities on our roads. With the recent arrests, we are clamping down on corruption and we urge members of the public to work with us by reporting some of the cases,” he added. 

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