Fresh controversy erupts over SA’s driving licence card backlog
Here’s how long motorists must wait for South Africa’s driving licence cards as procurement officials enjoyed luxury hospitality in Europe…
South Africa’s driving licence card backlog has climbed to 540 000, leaving more than half a million motorists on the road illegally.
The crisis stems from the country’s 25-year-old licence card machine and the Department of Transport’s failure to secure a supplier for its new Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) system.
According to a Sunday Times report, the situation worsened while DOT procurement officials were wined and dined in France.
SA’S DRIVING LICENCE CARD BACKLOG
BusinessTech reports that the latest declaratory order application has stalled the entire procurement process, pushing the turnaround time for new driving licence cards to two months and likely extending delays into 2026.
This year alone, the Department of Transport has spent R12 million on machine repairs and an additional R4.4 million on staff overtime to keep production running nonstop.
The ageing machine, which has reportedly broken down more than 160 times in its 26-year lifespan, makes it clear that a new solution is long overdue.
NEW ORDERS COMING IN DAILY
However, because 11 000 new orders come in every day, SA’s driving licence card backlog is barely reducing. Normal card output is only in the region of 7 500 cards per day. However, with overtime, the DOT says it can do as many as 22 000 if the old machine continues running without another major breakdown.
To ease public frustration, the DOT has scrapped fees for temporary driving licence cards and suspended fines for motorists with expired licences. However, drivers must present a valid receipt for a new licence to avoid penalties.
EURO ROMP
Earlier this year, the Department of Transport awarded a R900 million contract to French firm Idemia, but the deal was cancelled after the Auditor-General (AGSA) launched an investigation into irregularities.
Reports further revealed that a seven-member procurement delegation travelled to Europe to inspect the machines, only to find that the actual machines were not there.
Instead, they viewed an unrelated machine owned by the bidding company. After the investigation, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy filed a declaratory order in the High Court.