What was meant to be a routine oversight inspection, turned into a shocking discovery of alleged corruption and fraudulent activity at the Midrand driver licensing testing department (DLTC).
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela conducted an unannounced visit to the facility on October 9, as part of ongoing infrastructure and service monitoring in the province’s central corridor.
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She was joined by portfolio committee on transport and logistics chairperson Greg Schneemann and the department’s head, Dr Thulani Mdadane.
“During our visit, we identified the presence of so-called ‘runners’,” said Diale-Tlabela, “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 commended the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the Department of Home Affairs Anti-Fraud Unit for their swift intervention and confirmed that criminal investigations are already underway.
The facility, located at the corner of Dale and Rainbow roads, Halfway House, is managed by the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.
Diale-Tlabela said she would meet with the city’s Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) to discuss the future of the centre and ensure accountability.
“We will ensure that all matters uncovered are pursued to their conclusion and that 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.”
The MEC emphasised that the surprise visit is part of a broader provincial crackdown on fraud and maladministration at DLTCs across Gauteng.
“We will intensify our oversight across all DLTCs, 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”
Diale-Tlabela also reminded all public servants to honour their oath of service and uphold the principles of ethical and accountable governance.
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“The continued corruption and fraud at some of our DLTCs is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Echoing the MEC’s remarks, 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.
“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 Department of Roads and Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight and restoring public trust in licensing services.
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