EDITOR – I am contacting you with a concern about the proof of address and the lack of clarity on the issue, as well as the attitude, of particularly the Bedfordview drive-through.
It has been well documented that effective from January 1, 2016, the renewal of a car licence needs to be accompanied by the relevant proof of address.
I had the honour of going to the drive-through office in Bedfordview on March 18 to renew a licence.
The car is registered in my father’s name, who is a resident at the Thornhill Manor Retirement Village, Lakeside, Modderfontein.
As the residents in this village pay a levy and don’t get a rates and taxes account, when they need a proof of address they obtain an original letter from the village that states they are a resident. It contains all the relevant information needed for the proof of address. The residents have been using this letter to verify their address with bankers and any other institutions that requires proof of address.
The drive through office at Bedfordview informs me that the letter is not acceptable as proof. That if the letter was to be used, then the responsible person at the village needs to supply a copy of their ID document as well, with a rates account. Bottom line is that the letter is not good enough and requires additional backing documents. I find this very odd as previously the letter was good enough for the banks and other institutions.
I was referred to the main office in Bedfordview to see a supervisor. And I’m sure you can guess that there are none around to assist.
I was hoping that as a community newspaper you could obtain more clarity, so that residents in your area and of Thornhill Manor are aware of exactly what documents are needed to renew a car licence and not waste time.
LANCE MICHLER
EDITOR’S COMMENT – Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality spokesperson, Mr Themba Gadebe commented as follows:
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) is aware that residents at the retirement village do not receive water and lights accounts.
The application form for renewal must be accompanied by the vehicle owner’s identity document, including a letter from the home, with a letterhead confirming that the individual is a resident at the facility.
The EMM was not aware of anyone being turned back at the drive-through, however the matter will be addressed with the staff members.
Service statements and payment of retail accounts, insurance and SARS, are also acceptable. This also includes confirmation letters from banks in instances where the individuals have bank accounts.
The Bedfordview main office has three supervisors and a station manager who are always available to assist customers with any queries related to service delivery and treatment of customers.
It is advisable that applicants should request to speak to any of these individuals for assistance should they experience any challenges at the facility.
