MORE controversy over SA's driving licence card backlog
At last count, SA's driving licence card backlog stands at 540 000. That's more than half a million motorists who are not legal on the roads. Of course, this is all down to the nation's quarter-century-old licence card machine. And the DOT's inability to procure a supplier for its ambitious Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) system. Minister Creecy is coming under increased pressure over SA's driving licence card backlog. Image: File
Worse still, reports BusinessTech , is the latest declaratory order application which now puts the entire procurement process on hold. As such, turnaround time for new cards now stretches to two months, and delays will likely continue well into 2026.
R12 million has already been spent by the DOT on machine repairs this year. While an extra R4.4 million has been paid in overtime to employees to keep production running around the clock. The machine has allegedly broken down at least 160 times in its 26-year lifespan, proving its definitely time for a new solution. You won't be fined if you show your expired driving licence and proof of payment for your backlogged card. Image: File
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.
Therefore, to help ease frustration, the DOT has waived fees for temporary driving licence cards and suspended penalties for motorists with expired licences. However, you must be able to produce a valid receipt for a new licence to avoid a fine. The Auditor-General pulled the deal following an investigation into the procurement process irregularities. Image: MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP
A contract worth R900 million was awarded to French firm Idemia earlier this year. However, this deal was pulled following an investigation by the Auditor-General (AGSA) over irregularities. Moreover, damning reports suggest a seven-person procurement delegation went to Europe to inspect the machines.
However, the machines they were supposed to examine were not even located there. Instead, they inspected an unrelated machine owned by the bidding company. Following the investigation, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy applied for a declaratory order in the High Court.
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