Glenhills motorist expresses outrage over broken licence printing machine
It is unclear as to when the machine will be repaired.
SOUTH Africa’s only driver’s licence printing machine is broken, and, as of December 1, has resulted in a backlog of 383 000 cards.
One of the many motorists who has been affected by the issue is Nishi Singh from Glenhills.
She told the Northglen News that she renewed her licence on October 8, waited the stipulated six-week period and then called the licensing office to check if her licence had arrived.
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“I called for several days, but there was no answer. I went to the office on January 11 to see if my licence has arrived,” said Singh.
She said the staff at the office told her that everyone who had applied for their licences from September onwards had not yet received them and that she should return in February.
“The staff member did not provide a reason, but I read on social media later that day that the printing machine is broken,” said Singh.
She added that she did not get a temporary licence and instead drives around with her receipt in hand, should she be stopped by police.
“I’m not going through the added cost of getting a temporary document. There should be some leniency exercised as it’s something that’s out of our hands,” she said.
Other motorists took to the publication’s Facebook page to express their views.
Tracey Lee Williams said: I applied for mine in October 2021. They told me it would take 6 weeks and I should call to find out if it’s ready. Called and called to no avail. Then drove all the way to Winklespruit to find out that the machine was broken.
Petrina Reddy commented: I applied early October at Winklespruit. Same story. Called and was told the receipt expires in three months and I need to apply for a temporary license (sic).
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