Gauteng roads and transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has called for criminal investigations after an unannounced oversight visit to the Midrand driver licensing testing centre (DLTC), where she uncovered “disturbing irregularities”.
“During our visit we identified the presence of runners, including an undocumented foreign national who was facilitating services for other undocumented individuals. This raises serious concerns about the possible sale of licences to people who are not legally in the country,” she said.
The department said Diale-Tlabela was accompanied by the chairperson of the portfolio committee on transport and logistics, Greg Schneemann, and the head of department Thulani Mdadane.
Schneemann expressed concern about the state of affairs at the facility, saying the conduct of staff was unacceptable.
“What we witnessed is deeply troubling. If staff can disrespect government officials one can only imagine how they treat ordinary citizens,” he said.
“Even more troubling, we confirmed reports of bribery and fraudulent activity, including the use of a fake passport. These are not rumours; they were verified on site. We fully support the MEC, the city and law enforcement agencies in investigating and taking firm action against any officials implicated in corruption.”
The MEC commended the swift action of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) anti-fraud unit and the department of home affairs anti-fraud unit, confirming criminal investigations are under way.
“The facility is managed by the City of Johannesburg metropolitan municipality. The MEC will meeting with the city’s member of the mayoral committee to discuss the future of the centre,” the department said.
Diale-Tlabela said her department would ensure all matters uncovered are fully investigated and accountability is enforced.
“While we appreciate the hard work of many staff members, we are disappointed by the conduct of others who fail to uphold the standards expected of frontline public servants,” she said.
The continued corruption and fraud at some of our DLTCs is unacceptable and will not be tolerated
— Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Gauteng roads and transport MEC
The MEC reiterated the visit marked the beginning of a province-wide crackdown on fraud and maladministration within licensing centres.
“We will intensify our oversight across all DLTCs to ensure full compliance and root out corruption. Our officials must remember they serve the people of South Africa and should do so with dignity, integrity and respect.”
The department said the unannounced visit forms part of its broader efforts to ensure all licensing and testing centres in the province operate with integrity, efficiency and full compliance with the law.
Diale-Tlabela added: “The continued corruption and fraud at some of our DLTCs is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
TimesLIVE
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