Zimbabwean minister bemoans corruption in drivers' licence issuance

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona recently unveiled plans to combat and eliminate corruption associated with the issuance of learner licenses and certificates of competence in road tests. Minister Mhona emphasized the pivotal role that driving schools play in the well-organized corruption networks that facilitate these illicit activities.

A survey conducted in Mutare revealed that aspiring drivers typically have to part with $60 to obtain a learner's license through corrupt means. Additionally, they are required to pay another $150 to driving school instructors to ensure a smooth passage in the road test.

Minister Mhona disclosed at a strategic planning workshop in Mutare that the involvement of driving schools, including the State-owned CMED, in these corruption networks represents countermeasures employed to perpetuate corrupt practices. Deviating from his prepared speech, Minister Mhona expressed his dismay, stating, "It is disheartening that within the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, there are individuals working tirelessly to undermine the objectives of the computerized driver's license acquisition system for the public. Even with the system's computerization, we still see new tactics emerging. The unfortunate reality is that these syndicates now utilize driving schools, including the State-owned CMED, to facilitate their illicit activities. We are confronting a deeply ingrained issue. It is widespread."

As part of the government's devolution agenda, the Ministry will soon introduce the VID's computerized learner driver's licensing system to every district in the country. Minister Mhona emphasized, "Under the ZimTIS program, we are building on the successes of computerizing the vehicle licensing system, pioneered by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara). We have made progress in decentralizing the VID's computerized learner driver's licensing system, enabling aspiring drivers to receive instant computer-generated results. We aim to expand this system to every district in the country. This will reduce human interaction in the driver's licensing process, ultimately curbing corruption and enhancing competency to reduce road accidents."

He also celebrated advancements in road traffic management, particularly the introduction of Statutory Instrument 119 of 2023 on licensing of drivers regulations. Minister Mhona expressed his satisfaction that new driver's licenses have been issued since the program's launch. He further mentioned Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023 on speed limiting and monitoring devices regulations.

Minister Mhona praised the "Let's Tame the Traffic Jungle Together 2" traffic operation for restoring order on the roads. He also acknowledged the multi-stakeholder initiatives in urban centers aimed at traffic management under the "Let's Tame the Traffic Jungle Together- Phase 2" operation, which began in September 2023.

Addressing the same audience, Minister of State for Manicaland and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza commended the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development for revitalizing several major roads in Manicaland. However, he urged the ministry to prioritize long-standing projects, such as the Birchnough Bridge-Murambinda Road and the Chipinge-Mt Selinda road, and the Chrismass Pass bypass road.

The three-day strategic planning workshop in Mutare is attended by several board directors and heads of parastatals falling under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development.