Transport minister, Fikile Mbalula said that his department is working on a number of initiatives to improve the experience of drivers, including a number of upgrades to the licensing process.
Responding in a written parliamentary Q&A, Mbalula acknowledged a backlog of 500 000 licenses waiting in the system among other license-related challenges such as renewals.
He said that this backlog and other issues will be addressed through the following changes:
- Longer working hours
In seven of the nine provinces affected by the backlog, working hours have been extended and include operations on Saturdays.
- Self-service
Two self-service kiosks are being prepared for testing at licensing centres and should be rollout out by October 2021.
- Gauteng-specific interventions
An email service for Gauteng users who experience difficulties with online books and renewing their licenses has been activated.
- Online payments
Processes to introduce online payments are underway.
- Upgraded systems
The interface of live enrolment units with Home Affairs has been completed. This will enable immediate validation of fingerprints at license centres and reduce delays.
- More license centres
The RTMC is opening additions DLCTs with more staff working from 07:00 in the morning and ending at 21:00 at night for seven days a week.
- Extended validity
The department has extended the validity and grace period of all learners licenses, drivers license cards, temporary drivers licenses and professional drivers permits that expire during the period that commenced from26 March up to and including 31 August 2021. The new expiration date is now 31 Match 2022.
Sources: BusinessTech
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