As part of ongoing infrastructure monitoring in the Central Corridor, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, conducted an unannounced oversight visit to the Midrand Driver Licensing Testing Centre (DLTC) in the City of Johannesburg.
The MEC was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Logistics, Greg Schneemann, and the Head of Department, Dr Thulani Mdadane, during which several disturbing irregularities were uncovered.
“During our visit, we identified the presence of so-called ‘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,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela.
The MEC commended the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Anti-Fraud Unit and the Department of Home Affairs Anti-Fraud Unit for their swift intervention and confirmed that criminal investigations are underway.
The facility is managed by the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The MEC will be meeting with the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) to discuss the future of the centre.
“We will ensure that all matters uncovered are pursued to their conclusion, and that accountability is enforced,” she added.
“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.”
The MEC reiterated that this visit marks the beginning of a province-wide crackdown on fraud and maladministration within licensing centres.
“We will intensify our oversight across all Driver Licensing Testing Centres to ensure full compliance and root out corruption. Our officials must remember that they serve the people of South Africa and should do so with dignity, integrity, and respect,” she said.
Diale-Tlabela also urged all public servants to honour their oath of service and uphold the values of clean and accountable governance.
“The continued corruption and fraud at some of our DLTCs is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” she stressed.
Echoing the MEC’s remarks, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Logistics, Greg Schneemann, expressed deep concern over the state of affairs at the facility.
“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 unannounced visit forms part of the Department’s broader efforts to ensure that all licensing and testing centres operate with integrity, efficiency, and in full compliance with the law.
Enquiries:
Mr King Mthombeni
Cell: 071 400 0915
Ms Melitah Madiba
Head of Communications, Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport
Cell: 073 644 9935
Mr Lesiba Mpya
Spokesperson to the MEC
Cell: 078 450 9841
E-mail: pressoffice.gpdrt@gauteng.gov.za
#ServiceDeliveryZA
