The Ministry of Works and Transport is cracking down on the corrupt issuance of driving licences, warning that bribery and bought licences are putting lives at risk on the roads. 

The ministry cautioned that it will tighten the regulation of driving schools, instructors and driver testing, with a particular focus on bribery and corruption. 

Minister Veikko Nekundi warned driving schools and instructors at Swakopmund that anyone caught trying to buy or facilitate a licence will face serious consequences. 

"Why do you always send them to Karibib for testing?" Something must not be right there. Gobabis, Tsumeb, Opuwo? Why? Colleagues, the 8,000 people are paying through you. It can't even buy a casket. Because you are sending them to die. Buying a licence is sending somebody who can swim in the ocean and telling them to jump off the vessel. It is contributing to the road accidents."

Nekundi emphasised that driving instructors play a crucial role in road safety, yet there are currently no standardised teaching methods for learners. 

He said it is important that the industry is regulated and that its players are professional, registered and competent. 

"You are often the first professional who introduces a learner or inexperienced person to the responsibilities of driving. The habits you teach can remain with the driver for decades. If you teach patience, observation and respect for traffic laws, they contribute to a safer road. I therefore encourage every driving instructor to see his or her role not simply as a means of earning an income but as a road safety profession with a significant responsibility to society."

The Deputy Director of Transportation Regulation, Damien Mabengano, added that excessive costs charged by driving schools can push people towards corruption. 

"At the moment, it's between 600 and 700 people that die on our roads every year, a very serious concern in terms of the numbers. So it's important that the people that we are training need to protect them by having a reasonable price. If a reasonable price is not there, what happens? Then we move into corruption."

The government says the objective is to ensure driving licences are earned through competence and not corruption.