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ROAD MAYHEM: A horror accident on one of the country's roads attributed to incompent driving. Photo: MLONDOLOZI MBOLO

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Shongwe yesterday launched two computerised learners' testing stations in Standerton and Emalahleni.

"Most accidents are caused by human error and these computerised systems will ensure that all drivers who get driving licences are competent and credible," said Shongwe.

He said the stations would not only assist in eliminating corruption, but would also produce competent drivers who would always adhere to the road rules to ensure that accidents were minimised.

The system will be piloted at three driving licence testing centres - KwaMhlanga, Mbombela and Mhala - at which the most fraud and corruption allegations have often been reported.

Shongwe vowed to flush out corrupt officers and officials from testing stations.

"If the municipalities fail to run the stations effectively, the department will withdraw the function from the municipalities as it happened with KwaMhlanga testing station where irregularities were identified."

Last month, a horrific train accident claimed the lives of 24 farmworkers on the N4 highway at Hectorspruit near Malelane.

Truck driver George Mandlazi apparently failed to stop at a level crossing. He has been charged with murder and will appear in court again on August 14.

Shongwe called on the owners of driving schools to support the system and refrain from the mindset of only making money.

Speaking at the safety and security summit in Secunda earlier yesterday, Shongwe warned other provinces to be wary of criminals seeking safe havens in other provinces .

"My colleagues from Free State and Northern Cape must guard their provinces because as we clean our province, these criminals will go and look for safer havens elsewhere,"Shongwe said.

He said fighting crime was everyone's duty. "Whether you are wearing a uniform or not, the bottom line is, if you want a crime-free Mpumalanga, you must work with the law enforcement officers."

The summit ends today. - mashabas@sowetan.co.za

Comments

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Sat May 18 12:12:48 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 3, 2012

MommaC

Could they please hurry up and then do the same in Limpopo?
Driving in Pretoria is hell at the moment. Those people can't drive worth sh!t
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Aug 3, 2012

MGEEZ

I support the move by the MEC in this case
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Aug 3, 2012

KemangBosso

how do u produce competent drivers when you accept bribe,these days you cant pass unless you pop-up cold drink
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Aug 3, 2012

Pointman

Here comes another IT tender. Comrades, go to the taylor to extend your pockets please - XXXX large.
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Aug 3, 2012

candilious

Good move MEC but try to work with competent people too


Morning MGEEZ/MommaC
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Aug 3, 2012

MSG_S

The setback rests with you guys upfront there. Im talking about Senior Administrators in the Traffic and Police departments who get a juicy piece of steak fom these bogus Test Stations due to their ireversible corrupt minds because you grew up not knowing what money is. Now you have seen the money marvels hence you choose to get it with blood than not at all..
My point eintlek is you always catch the small fish(phony drivers) but yet no word of dealing with the main culprits who cash in with this kak. The most simple and common method is to negotiate a good plea bargain with the drivers so that they can be able to take you straight to the door step of the BIG FISH. AAAGH! The big fish are you anyway.
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Aug 3, 2012

MommaC

candilious

Morning bokkie,
Competent people? In the traffic department? soos hoendertande
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Aug 3, 2012

januswanus

A battle you will never win boet we talk of R10 billion business a year.
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Aug 3, 2012

MTTPA

januswanus
A battle you will never win boet we talk of R10 billion business a year.
* * * * * * *
i feel for this minister for what he is trying to do. as long as nationally, curruption is still avail nothing is to be done. let national clean themself first then provincially is easy
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Aug 3, 2012

METRIX

CORRUPTION-: Is Good news that the Hawks have arrested the Senior Traffic Officer in Limpopo Thohoyandou in Sibasa for selling drivers' licenses to the tune of about 500. Lets the same happen in all provinces that inhabitate corrupttraffic officers.
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