Was it Einstein who declared that insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result every time? Are we all completely insane to expect any form of leadership from the Department of Transport even though they are bombarded with facts, stats, deaths and carnage daily? We must be mad to think that our politicians may contemplate a leadership role. Gosh, that would be having to take some form of responsibility!

We must insist on changing what we are doing and do it differently. It is common knowledge that the lack of preventative maintenance is the primary cause for the state of disrepair (dare I use the word unroadworthy) of our fleets. It must, therefore, be essential to reinstate the six monthly Certificate of Fitness (CoF) vehicle test immediately. Heavy commercial vehicle maintenance costs increase in magnitude (exponentially) the longer the vehicle is neglected. Wearing parts, like brake linings and drums, do not regenerate over time. They simply fail to function.

Specialists from the private sector must be contracted to train law enforcement personnel in the correct method/s of vehicle defect detection. It is (again) common knowledge that the provincial training colleges are still teaching old technology and have not moved with the times. Modern braking systems are sophisticated - as are steering and suspension technology - yet our men in uniform have little or no idea how to recognise dangerous deficiencies.

These so-called law enforcers must also be taught the merits of integrity as well as the long term benefits of placing principles of honour and virtue before attempting to supplement their meagre salaries illicitly. We should lobby for intelligent increments on behalf of our policemen and harshly denounce the pay packets of the fat cats who pretend to be leaders.

All roadworthy testing stations must operate under the auspices of one national - privately or industry managed - franchise. Government departments must stay out of the process of vehicle testing and only in the event of gross franchise violations, come into play when requested to do so.

Testing stations must be contracted to a franchise agreement that will allow immediate suspension of personnel and/or severe fines in the event of a violation. The franchise must develop a strategy of integrity and trust and must avoid biased input from the market it serves. (There has been a reckless and myopic suggestion from KZN Transport Services to have all private testing stations sign a sub-contract agreement with Motor Licensing, the very organisation that is rife with fraud and corruption!)

It is common knowledge that a sub-standard Mac or mouldy Wimpy or even a tainted Steers rack could put the franchisee out of business yet, with our present system, it could take (and has taken) anything from 12 months to eight years to bring about corrective action.

A major concern for the private industry presently, however, is the malicious and unwarranted attacks by so-called law enforcement on selected testing stations. Threats of suspension and closure are levied as a result of vehicles that are tested on the road, yet are not presented to the responsible test station for review. The evidence, so to speak, has been allowed to drive away but the test station may not/cannot defend itself.

Once again, FleetWatch's hard hitting and factual comments inspire me to take up the cudgels (and the flag and whatever) and march on to Parliament and beat some sense into some idiot's head! But then I stop and remember that I have tried this all before, to no avail. I must, therefore, be the mad sod that Einstein was referring to.

Thank you Patrick. FleetWatch is a winner again. Please do not ever give up your fight. When the war against ineptitude, ignorance, stupidity and bureaucracy is won, I hope to be able to hold your arm up high and announce that FleetWatch leadership - the champion - has opened the eyes of the nation. 

Wally Cracknell
Durban

Editor's Comment: Wow! Your parting words are just so sweet - and thank you so much for that extremely high praise. It will mean a lot to the team as we too often despair of being the mad sod Einstein was referring. Like you, we have tried and tried but to no avail. (We will not stop however). The suggestions you put forward - and I know this is not the first time you've advocated actions such as above - are so sensible but I'm not too sure anyone is ever going to listen. It never ceases to amaze - and disappoint me - that our lives are ruled and our destinies determined by desk-bound politicians who have absolutely no idea at all of realities on the ground. Proof of this is that our very own President tells us that the increase in crime is a perception. This tells me that he has obviously lost touch with the realities of life as it is lived down here at street level where we all reside.

You have stated that you are writing the above in your personal capacity but I also know that every day, you are in touch with the reality of what's really going on out there regarding the roadworthiness - or more often unroadworthiness - of this country's vehicle parc. You should be listened to but as you say, "I have tried all this before to no avail". It is important, however, that we never stop trying to change things for the better. It is important that people like yourself never stop knocking on the door for one day, some wise politician who looks beyond his cosy and view-limited little box, might just open the door and let you in.