Residents shown away from licensing department amid switchover to province

According to one complainant that was queuing to renew a vehicle licence disc, around 60 residents were told to come back next week.

According to the complainant, residents waiting in line were left stunned upon learning the reason why they would not be helped.

“We were told that due to the new cabinet, and logistical issues around ministers and deputy ministers settling into their new roles, services had been impacted.”

The reason offered, however, is as ridiculous as its sounds.

What may be affecting services, according to municipal spokeswoman Lerato Kgomo, is the switch over of licensing services from Steve Tshwete Local Municipality to the province, which the Middelburg Observer had already reported on earlier.

The province will now exclusively handle licensing services within the municipality, with Steve Tshwete being one of the last local authorities to lose its service agreement with the province.

Municipal systems will now have to switch over to the province’s backend, which is impacting service delivery.
It is also the start of the new financial year.

Licensing services will still be provided at the same building at the civic centre.
Personnel will now be remunerated by the province, not the municipality.

• Residents have been told that the switchover may affect services for the remainder of the week.
In order to avoid frustration, residents should return next week for assistance.

This has, however, not been confirmed by Ms Kgomo, who is still awaiting information to update the community.

Municipal Manager Mandla Mnguni could not be reached for comment.

“Is it too much to ask the municipality to warn residents, many of whom have to take leave from work due to the ridiculous waiting periods,” a resident fumed.

Phones at the licensing offices also went unanswered.

According to councillor San-Mari Wait, who serves on the traffic portfolio committee, the switchover is being done by the province.