Over the past year, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has received various complaints relating to allegations of mismanagement at the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). These allegations were brought to the attention of the RTMC board and the Minister ordered an investigation into the allegations.
The Minister has further taken a decision to appoint an independent task team to work with the RTMC board and its management in the investigations into the allegations of mismanagement, as well as issues relating to leadership, governance, business and finance at the RTMC. The task team’s mandate is, among other things:
* To investigate allegations of mismanagement at the RTMC
* To give advice to the Minister and the Department of Transport on strategies required to ensure that the RTMC delivers fully on its legislative mandate.
The RTMC was established in terms of Section 3 of the Road Traffic Management Corporation Act, No. 20 of 1999, for co-operative and coordinated strategic planning, regulate on, facilitation and law enforcement in respect of road traffic matters by the national, provincial and local spheres of government.
The task team is expected to report back to the Minister periodically and submit a final report in a month’s time. Minister Ndebele will study the team's findings and recommendations, with a view to effecting changes where necessary and feasible in the shortest possible timeframe.
Further, on 1 February 2010, a letter was forwarded from the Acting Director-General of the Department of Transport, Mr George Mahlalela, to the CEO of the RTMC, Mr Ranthoko Rakgoale, instructing the RTMC to pay over all monies collected as transaction fees to the Department of Transport without delay. The RTMC was also informed to implement its own payroll with immediate effect to pay salaries of RTMC staff.
The Department of Transport has adopted a zero tolerance stance when it comes to fraud, corruption and mismanagement. We remain committed to the reform and tightening of the regulatory regime. We therefore appeal to any individual or organisation that may have any information that may assist in this investigation into the RTMC to please contact Ms Michelle Phenya from the office of the Director-General on 012 309 3698.
Enquiries:
George Mahlalela
Cell: 078 894 8516
Issued by: Department of Transport
5 February 2010
