A joint damning report has recommended that officials from the Northern Cape Transport Department implicated in fraud and maladministration allegations be held accountable. The investigation by the Office of the Public Protector and the Public Service Commission (PSC) has revealed serious improper conduct by officials in the issuing of taxi operating licenses.
The 2022 investigation by the PSC and the PP’s office, began after three taxi associations lodged complaints pertaining serious acts of fraud and corruption within the department’s system. Despite the department’s unwillingness to act following complaints, the investigations revealed that these complaints were valid.
The Commissioner of Public Service Commission, Anele Gxoyiya says the entire system of taxi operating licences has been compromised.
“People were going to the department as if they were going to the shop. They walked in and came out with licenses. Those who followed the necessary procedures faced lengthy delays, with some waiting for three years without receiving licenses. There are also cases where individuals hold operating licenses but do not own taxis.”
Additionally, the investigation by the Public Protector and PSC in the Northern Cape found that some taxi operating permits were leased to other drivers, while others were sold.
Permits were leased for up to R3000 and sold for as much as R80,000.
Mlungisi Khanya, representing the provincial Public Protector’s office, emphasised the urgency of action: “The MEC must ensure that the incumbent HOD is held accountable for failing to implement the recommendations of the investigation report by Mr. Gerber and Mr. Busaletsi regarding irregularities in the issuance of operating licenses. Furthermore, it is imperative that the MEC ensures prompt implementation of these recommendations, including the initiation of disciplinary actions against implicated officials.”
Some of the officials from the provincial department of Transport were accused of manipulating the processes of issuing permit and abused their powers as government officials. Spokesperson for the Department of Transport Rennie Andrias says it might be forced to take a legal route to revoke the fraudulent licences.
“There are about 14 recommendations that the Public Protector office and Public Service Commissioner is making and we intend to implement all of them fully. We have already submitted an implementation plan on how we are going to implement those recommendations to them. There are recommendations that would require us to follow internal processes for disciplinary hearings which means we must give those colleagues sufficient notice. We must also give them time to respond.”
The Hawks has also confirmed that criminals cases have been registered with the unit
