The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has joined forces with the Vehicle Testing Association (VTA) in a bid to crack down on fraudulent roadworthy certificates issued by private testing stations.
This move follows a troubling spike in learner transport crashes in the Umgungundlovu District, where three incidents were recorded in just four days.
The most recent accident occurred on Monday when a minibus taxi carrying learners from several schools veered off the road and plunged off KwaKhetha Bridge on the P127 near Impendle in the Midlands. According to officials, 20 learners from Matomela High, Luthando High and Sthunjwana Primary were injured and taken to Gomane Clinic and Harry Gwala Regional (Edendale) Hospital.
The taxi driver fled the scene and remains at large.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, condemned the incident, describing the driver’s conduct as “disturbing” and calling on the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the province to take stronger responsibility for the behaviour of its members.
The Automobile Association has previously warned that an estimated 70 000 minibus taxis are involved in crashes annually, with the sector recording double the crash rate of other passenger vehicles.
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Duma said the partnership with the VTA, which represents private testing stations under the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, will be key to rooting out corruption in the certification process.
“We have agreed to work together to isolate elements that are operating vehicles without roadworthy certificates and to ensure that those issuing fraudulent certificates are arrested,” said Duma.
As Transport Month approaches in October, the MEC confirmed that the department will also be introducing reforms in partnership with the VTA. These include:
- Tougher legislation governing the taxi and scholar transport industry, with stricter driver vetting and vehicle standards.
- Stronger compliance and accountability measures, with independent audits and transparent reporting.
- Biannual roadworthy certification for all heavy passenger vehicles, replacing the current annual requirement.
- Mandatory inspections of all minibuses at accredited municipal or private testing stations within KZN, aligned to their designated route permits.
“These measures are designed to restore public confidence in our transport system and protect the lives of our children,” Duma said.
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