Thousands to benefit from driver’s licence programme
KZN MEC for Transport Sipho Hlomuka said beneficiaries are from all districts of the province.
The KZN Department of Transport will announce the beneficiaries of its Thuthuka Driver’s Licence Programme at the Durban Exhibition Centre today, March 1.
The KZN MEC for Transport, Sipho Hlomuka, said beneficiaries are from all districts of the province.
Hlomuka said the programme dubbed Thuthuka Driver Training is aimed at assisting people of all age groups with driver’s licences.
The MEC said the department ran an open process where it invited members of the public to apply, adding that more than 50 000 applications were received.
In November 2023, there were allegations of corruption in the programme, with some alleging that some people were alerted that they had been shortlisted a few days after it had been announced.
The department’s spokesperson, Kwanele Ncalane, said they had noted the allegations referring to a list of beneficiaries, saying that the shortlisting process was going to be fair and that every applicant would be given an equal opportunity.
Speaking ahead of the announcement on Friday, Hlomuka said after a vigorous and transparent selection process, the department decided on the first 4 000 applicants.
“This programme is the first of its kind and the department intends to create a database of the applicants, to mobilise more resources, including in the private sector, to assist in this programme. The driving school industry is also working with the department as part of delivering this process, and applicants will be assigned to driving schools that will meet the agreed criteria. The programme will strengthen the relationship between the department and the driving school industry, which has since been formalised by the government in the province,” he said.
Hlomuka added: “This programme is essential in preparing unemployed people for employment. It will assist the young and old – but mostly unemployed graduates. This is part of honouring our commitment to making the lives of the people better. We are also pleased with the role and partnership with the driving school industry because it means we will produce drivers who are competent and fit to be on the road. The training will augment the government’s effort through S’thesha Waya Waya.”
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