Over 500,000 Driving Licence Cards Delayed: Can the Backlog Be Cleared Before Year-End?
South Africa’s driving licence challenges are far from over, but there may be hope on the horizon, according to the Department of Transport (DOT).
The country continues to depend on a single licence card printing machine that has been in use since 1998. Its age and frequent breakdowns have made it a national bottleneck. Earlier this year, the machine was out of service from February until May. It had to be shipped to France for repairs by the original manufacturer. The disruption left a significant backlog, the effects of which are still being felt.
Backlog Numbers Remain High
DOT spokesperson Collen Msibi recently confirmed that although the Drivers’ Licence Card Agency (DLCA) has printed more than 800,000 cards since resuming operations in May, a backlog of 539,000 remains.
“On a daily basis, we get more than 10,000 new applications, so it’s difficult for the backlog to shrink quickly,” Msibi told the SABC. “However, we have set ourselves a December deadline to clear it.”
The backlog has already been reduced from 747,000 in May. This was after the DLCA extended staff working hours to speed up processing.
Relief Measures for Motorists
In July, the DOT responded to mounting pressure from advocacy groups by scrapping fees for temporary driving licence cards and suspending penalties for motorists with expired licences.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy also announced that drivers would be allowed to use an expired licence card for up to three months without fines. This is provided they could present proof of having applied for a renewal. Motorists are therefore advised to keep their application receipt in their vehicle or wallet in case they are stopped at a roadblock.
Long-Term Solutions in Progress
To prevent further reliance on the ageing machine, the department is exploring alternatives. An interim arrangement with the Government Printing Works is being developed. Additionally, plans for a new “smart” driving licence card are also on the table.
However, progress on the smart card project has been slowed by legal challenges. The tender process came under scrutiny after allegations of irregular procurement in awarding the contract to Idemia. This led Minister Creecy to request an Auditor-General investigation.
With more than half a million licence cards still outstanding, South African motorists are understandably frustrated. While the DOT is confident the backlog will be resolved by year-end. However, many remain cautious given the long-standing dependence on a single, unreliable machine.
For now, drivers are urged to keep renewal receipts on hand. They must remain patient as the department works to restore stability in the system.
Related article: South Africans to Face Fines for Driving Without a Driver’s Licence During Police Stops
