Govt to tackle transport fraud
2009-07-03 16:04
Cape Town - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele on Friday promised to pay particular attention to combating fraud and corruption in procurement and tender processes, the Road Accident Fund (RAF), and drivers' licences.
"Working with home affairs, we will ensure our documents have enhanced security and unquestionable integrity to be accepted in our country and internationally," he told the National Assembly during debate on his budget vote.
The contract of the current service provider for the drivers' smart cards expired on April 30 and was extended to December 31 to allow for a proper tender process.
"We will appoint a new service provider by the end of the year," he said.
A new computerised examination system for learner licences would root out fraud and corruption.
Plans to computerise all learner licence centres would start immediately.
In rural communities, new mobile licence testing centres will be set up.
Mobile stations
KwaZulu-Natal already had 21 fixed stations and two mobile stations, Gauteng had one fixed station and two mobile stations, and Mpumalanga had three fixed stations and one mobile station.
Ndebele said after completing the pilot Road Traffic Infringement Agency in Tshwane and Johannesburg, the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences was now ready for implementation.
"This will include the demerit system which is like acquiring yellow cards until a red card becomes inevitable.
"The same is now going to apply to your driver's licence. This is what the demerit means," he said.
"You retain or lose your driver's licence according to your conduct on our shared space, the public roads.
"This is what the demerit system is all about. It is now going to be part of our lives on South Africa roads. Road safety is no longer going to be left to individual conscience."
More traffic cops
Traffic law enforcement and education would also be bolstered.
A total of 145 patrol cars, 20 roadblock trailers and other law enforcement equipment would assist the Special Operations Unit at high accident frequency locations.
"We will ensure that the Road Accident Fund creates an equitable, affordable and sustainable funding system for South Africa.
"The system must eliminate wastages and protect victims and families," Ndebele said.
- SAPA