Driving Licence Chaos in SA: Will You Ever Get Your Card?
Mzansi, we have a problem! South Africa's driving licence card system is, once again, causing major headaches. It's not just about paperwork; it's impacting people's lives daily. The infamous licence card printing machine, the only one in the entire country, has been a constant source of frustration.
Remember the announcement that the machine was finally fixed and back in operation in May 2025? Well, the backlog is still massive. Reports indicate that nearly 750,000 licences were queued up after the machine's downtime, with Gauteng having the largest chunk of pending applications. MyBroadband now reports the backlog sits at a staggering 539,947.
Why is this happening?
This single printer has suffered a whopping 160 breakdowns since its installation! A modern, secure replacement is desperately needed. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) estimates it could take between 40 and 53 days of non-stop work to clear the existing backlog, not even considering new applications.
The Future of Driving Licences
There's a glimmer of hope. A tender to introduce better machines and more secure cards was awarded to Idemia. However, the process is currently under scrutiny by the Auditor-General and facing legal challenges. So, for now, patience is crucial.
- Check Your Status: Regularly check the status of your application online or at your local licensing centre.
- Renew Early: Don't wait until the last minute to renew your licence. Procrastination only adds to the problem.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with news and announcements from the Department of Transport.
Navigating this chaos requires patience and proactive steps. Hopefully, the new system will arrive soon and put an end to this driving licence drama.