Stern warning to bribe givers and takers
Traffic officers and driving school instructors have been warned not to get involved in illegal activities
LIMPOPO – Thulamela Traffic and licensing Manager, Zachariah Nesane addressed over 63 driving school operators, including instructors and testing officers, during an Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign held at Sibasa Traffic centre on Friday.
He reminded all in attendance that bribery is a serious offence and anyone caught paying or accepting a bribe will be dealt with.
“The obvious culprits of corruption are the driving schools and testing officers who demand bribes of R1 500 from applicants. This is highly illegal and there is absolutely no regulation in the National Road Traffic Act that requires such,” added Nesane.
Nesane said the number of accidents happening on the roads brings into question the standard of training offered by driving schools and whether it’s sufficient or not.
During the campaign, Nesane indicated that the biggest contributing factor to road accidents is corruption taking place during the process of obtaining learner’s and driver’s licences.
The Portfolio Committee Chairperson for Health, Safety, and Security in Thulamela Local Municipality Chairperson, Luvhengo Ramaano, also warned driving school operators and examiners who involve themselves in corruption.
“My message to all our examiners is that if you are engaging in corrupt activities, stop now or you will end up in jail or losing your job,” Ramaano stated.
The Chairperson for Driving Schools around Thulamela, Samuel Nemakonde, appealed to driving schools operators to do their work.
“We must teach people to drive until they fully qualify to be tested and so avoid temptation to commit fraud,” Nemakonde said.
Nesane said anyone with information regarding bribery should call 0800 668 535/ 079 621 9711.
