Highway readers react to licence card printing debacle
Some residents have called for an additional extension to the grace period for expired driver's licences.
THE Department of Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula revealed that the backlog in driver’s licence card printing was because the country’s only card printing machine had been sent to Germany for repairs.
The Highway Mail called on its readers to share their recent driver’s licence renewal experiences and the Facebook post was flooded with comments.
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One resident wanted to know what made the printing machine so special that it needed to be shipped overseas for repairs.
“With all the brains (limited as they may be), I’m sure someone has the capability to design and manufacture our own printing machine in South Africa! Don’t underestimate our own people…,” said Uthika Reddy (sic).
According to the department, the breakdown of the card production machine, which was caused by flooding, has caused delays since November last year.
Debbie Bland wrote that both her parents applied in October and, each time they called their local licensing department, they were told their cards were not yet ready.
“It actually ridiculous has one machine that 20 years ago now getting repaired in Germany and how long will that last and now the back log at present is sitting over 500,000 cards to be printed. So when get back there going to be such a back log. So could be more months to wait. They do have receipt applied so least have that too,” she stated (sic).
One resident said they were told they don’t need a temporary licence, contrary to what many residents believe was their only option.
“We applied in November. Still waiting for the new cards. We were told we do not need a temporary licence,” said Susan Coetzee Keartland.
Other residents, even though they applied in November last year, were informed they could only pick up their new driver’s licence cards in March 2022.
However, those who were lucky enough to receive their driver’s licence cards, claim they were not printed well, and were faint and illegible.
“Thank goodness it’s gone for repairs. Our driver got his renewed and can’t even read the letters and numbers. Thought I had a problem with my new glasses!” wrote Wendy Stuart-Steer (sic).
“Got mine but it is totally illegible. Clearly the printer was already bad when it was printed,” reiterated Mary L Van Wijk (sic).
Mbalula extended the validity of licences that expired between March 26 and August 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
Residents said that, until the matter was resolved, further extensions would be needed.
“Extend the deadline for expired licenses till end of the year. Hopefully the machine would be fixed and backlog can be sorted out,” Neil Reddy (sic).
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