The DA in Ekurhuleni has called for greater efficiency in the management of licensing facilities across the City of Ekurhuleni.
The digital divide has lead to the overcrowding of licensing facilities said Clr Jaco Terblanche, DA shadow MMC for community safety in Ekurhuleni.
“In his response to questions posed to council, the MMC for community safety, Clr Frans Mmoko, indicated there were over 127 000 applications for learners licences in the metro in 2019. What is apparent, is that the majority of these licence applications were derived from centres in close proximity to metropolitan suburbs such as Kempton Park, which saw 16 per cent of the total applications,” Terblanche said in a statement.
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This has resulted in huge congestion and lengthy queues at these centres.
Statistics show that in less developed areas, such as Langlaagte, there are very little licence applications, and therefore relatively low foot traffic, according to him.
“Part of the problem is that the online booking system used by licensing departments does not accommodate those residents without access to computers or smartphones, leading them to believe they have no option, but to physically apply at the bigger licensing centres, thereby leading to the congestion of certain facilities.
“The DA calls on the metro and provincial government to bridge the digital divide and make urgent provision for those without online access by providing booking facilities at all licensing facilities and customer care centres.
“In doing so, driver’s licence related appointments could be more equitably allocated across the metro and ease the congestion at some of the major centres.
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“In addition, it is critical that all vacancies within licensing facilities be filled as soon as possible to ensure they function at maximum efficiency for the benefit of residents.”
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