R144m ‘irregular’ expenditure by RTMC in the spotlight

Irregular expenditure by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) - estimated at R144 million - came under the spotlight when Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele addressed the Transport Portfolio Committee in Parliament this week. An independent task team appointed to investigate allegations of mismanagement and various other complaints found that irregular expenditure, inappropriate procurement procedures and unauthorised use of eNaTIS transaction fees were rife within the RTMC. Based on the recommendations of the report, Ndebele said several staff at the RTMC had been suspended. The disciplinary inquiry is in the process of being finalised. “The Department of Transport has adopted a zero tolerance stance when it comes to fraud, corruption and mismanagement. Any person found guilty of such acts must face the consequences of their actions.” He said with the appointment of an acting CEO, Collins Letsoalo, the functioning of the RTMC had stabilised substantially and the RTMC was on track to deliver on its mandate of safer roads in South Africa. The issues raised in the Task Team report are being dealt with and some of the recommendations have already been implemented. The RTMC was established for co-operative and coordinated strategic planning in respect of road traffic matters by the national, provincial and local spheres of government. It is therefore of paramount importance that this agency functions effectively and efficiently to fulfil its mandate, said Ndebele.