KwaZulu-Natal's commitment to responsible driving in 2026

The KwaZulu-Natal department of Transportation is stepping up its efforts to promote responsible driving within the province.

This renewed focus builds upon the successful initiatives led by the Road Traffic Inspectorate, aiming to further reduce road fatalities and crashes while ensuring safer road networks for all users.

Transport MEC Sinoniso Duma commends the unwavering resolve of the Traffic and Transport Inspection Unit (TTIU).

Duma said there are established measures to combat fraud and corruption in the processes surrounding learner's and driver's licence applications are now more stringent than ever.

He stated that reports of bribery regarding the scheduling of licence examinations have prompted an intensified crackdown on these irregularities.

“We have assembled a dedicated task force from the TTIU that collaborates with the Road Traffic Management Corporation's (RTMC) National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit and the Hawks,” Duma said.

“This collaborative effort has already yielded results, including significant arrests of syndicates comprising officials, driving school instructors, and applicants, which is a significant stride towards restoring integrity in our licensing processes.”

The statistics surrounding vehicle licensing in KwaZulu-Natal further detail the landscape of road use in the province.

Currently, there are 1,782,839 licensed vehicles, alongside a concerning 76,774 unlicensed ones.

The transition to the new number plate system has been promising, with over 1.7 million vehicles successfully migrated.

These numbers highlight both the achievements and challenges that continue to confront the transport sector.

In light of the increased demand for driving services, the provincial government has announced an adjustment in operational hours for various Licensing Offices.

Accordingly, several provincially run offices, including Empangeni, Mkondeni, Newcastle, Pinetown/Mariannhill, and Rossburgh, will be closed on weekends until further notice, and all operations may be suspended throughout January 2026.

In contrast, selected municipality run offices will remain open on designated Saturdays throughout January.

For instance, Amanzimtoti/Winklespruit DLTC will welcome customers on the 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st, allowing drivers a chance to tackle all licence-related transactions from 07:00 to 14:00.

Similarly, other offices such as Ballito and Kwadukuza/Stanger will extend their doors to the public, albeit with specific services and payment methods stipulated.

Additional municipality-run offices, like Umhlanga and Verulam, are also set to operate on select Saturdays, enhancing accessibility for the public in need of motor vehicle and drivers’ licence transactions.

Despite the closure of some major offices, these adjustments signal a commitment to facilitating responsible driving and educating drivers throughout the province.

As Dakume's office continues to shape the future of KwaZulu-Natal’s transportation landscape, the overarching goal remains clear: to produce well trained drivers who can navigate the province's extensive road networks safely and effectively.

With comprehensive actions against corruption and dedicated efforts to improve training and licensing processes, 2026 promises to usher in a safer era on the roads of KwaZulu-Natal.