KZN Transport pushes ahead with anti-corruption licence testing technology
Officials say the system randomises question papers and automatically marks tests, reducing opportunities for cheating and bribery.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Transport Department says it's continuing with new technology aimed at eliminating fraud and corruption in learner’s and driver’s licence testing, despite recent protests at various testing centres.
The department says some driving schools have distanced themselves from the demonstrations, warning that the protests distract from efforts to clean up the system.
The department's Ndabezinhle Sibiya says the system randomises question papers and automatically marks tests, removing opportunities for cheating and bribery, following recent arrests linked to corruption in the sector.
“We agree with some of driving schools. Indeed, we have observed that there are rogue elements that are creating an impression of a state of paralysis. The MEC has indicated that the head of the department is available to engage with genuine driving schools,” says Sibiya.
"The elements who are opposed to the cutting-edge technology must be isolated because we want to ensure that those who are given learner’s and driver’s licenses have been subjected to proper tests without any form of fraud and corruption.”
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The KZN Ubumbano Driving School Owners Association says it supports law enforcement’s efforts to investigate allegations of corruption in the licensing sector.
This follows the arrest of a learner driver and an instructor last month, at a testing centre in Pietermaritzburg.
It is understood that Authorities intercepted discussions about a payment linked to a suspected licence syndicate.
The association says the law must deal with corrupt individuals accordingly.
Spokesperson Phezulu Maluleka says such incidents damage the industry’s reputation.
"We do have a relationship with the government where we work together to try and catch such threats and corruption where we can; those who are caught must be brought to book.
“We are sending a warning to our instructors, mostly the ones that are on the ground level, those who teach people to drive. We send a strong warning that we are working with government. We will make sure that there is no corruption in our organisation,” says Maluleka.
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