KZN Partners With VTA to Curb Fraudulent Roadworthy Certificates in Taxi Sector

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has entered into a formal partnership with the Vehicle Testing Association (VTA) to tackle rampant fraud in the issuing of roadworthy certificates, following a series of tragic learner transport accidents in the province.

Tragedy Sparks Urgent Action

The announcement comes in the wake of three learner transport crashes within four days in the Umgungundlovu District, the most recent occurring on Monday when a minibus taxi veered off KwaKhetha Bridge along the P127 near Impendle in the Midlands.

The taxi, which was ferrying learners from Matomela High, Luthando High, and Sthunjwana Primary, plunged off the bridge, leaving 20 pupils seriously injured. They were rushed to Gomane Clinic and Harry Gwala Regional (Edendale) Hospital for emergency treatment.

Shockingly, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene and remains at large, prompting Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma to condemn the act and urge law enforcement to intensify efforts to locate him.

“It is disturbing that the driver abandoned learners at the scene. We call on law enforcement agencies to hunt him down and bring him to justice,” Duma said.

Taxi Industry Under Scrutiny

Duma also called on the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in KwaZulu-Natal to take stronger responsibility for incidents involving its members, emphasising that the safety of learners and commuters must be prioritised.

The Automobile Association of South Africa estimates that 70,000 minibus taxis are involved in crashes every year, with the sector recording double the crash rate of other passenger vehicles. This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement and regulatory reforms.

Cracking Down on Fraudulent Certificates

The partnership with the Vehicle Testing Association, which operates under the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, seeks to clamp down on private vehicle testing stations involved in issuing fraudulent Certificates of Roadworthiness.

“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,” Duma declared.

The collaboration aims to weed out corruption in the system, holding accountable both unroadworthy vehicle operators and complicit testing stations.

Planned Reforms for Transport Month

With Transport Month set to be observed in October, the KZN Department of Transport is preparing to announce sweeping reforms in partnership with the VTA. These reforms include:

• Stronger legislation governing the taxi and scholar transport industry, with specific provisions on driver vetting, vehicle standards, and operational oversight.

• Stricter compliance and accountability measures, supported by transparent reporting systems and independent audits.

• Biannual Certificates of Roadworthiness for all heavy passenger vehicles, replacing the current annual requirement.

• Mandatory inspections of minibuses within KwaZulu-Natal at accredited municipal or private testing centres, aligned with their designated route permits.

Restoring Safety and Public Trust

The department believes these reforms will improve passenger safety, restore public trust in the taxi industry, and reduce the high rate of crashes involving learner and commuter transport.

Duma stressed that safety enforcement will be intensified across the province, and violators will face severe consequences. “We are determined to protect the lives of our learners and commuters. Those who cut corners or engage in fraud will face the full might of the law,” he said.

As KwaZulu-Natal grapples with high-profile accidents and a struggling public transport system, the new partnership signals a renewed commitment to safety, accountability, and reform in the province’s taxi and scholar transport sector.