Driving Licence Delays: South Africans Bear the Cost of Government’s Printer Breakdown

South African motorists are once again caught in a bureaucratic nightmare as the country’s only driving licence card printing machine has been out of action since February 2025, with no licences printed for over three months. While the Department of Transport promises a fix within two to three weeks, critics say the issue goes far deeper—and South Africans are paying the price.

A System Breakdown—and Not Just the Machine

Following weeks of speculation and complaints from motorists unable to obtain their new cards, the department finally confirmed in early May that the machine had been broken since February. According to spokesperson Collen Msibi, repairs are underway in collaboration with the overseas supplier, with critical parts being shipped to France for restoration.

“We’re looking at about two to three weeks from now, after which it should be up and running,” Msibi told SABC News.

The card printer typically produces 15,000 to 19,000 licence cards daily, meaning hundreds of thousands of motorists have been affected by the backlog.

Motorists Left in the Lurch

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has urged motorists to apply for temporary licences, which are valid for six months. JMPD’s Xolani Fihla said motorists must carry their temporary licence or the expired card, along with proof of payment, when stopped by law enforcement.

But for many, this is adding insult to injury—drivers are forced to pay for temporary documents due to a government failure that wasn’t their fault.

Critics Say the Solution Is Simple—but Revenue Is in the Way

Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), criticised the government’s handling of the situation, calling the fix “simple”—if the will existed.

“The national printing works could take over and do this 30% cheaper. But the department is more focused on the revenue it collects from renewals every five years,” said Duvenage in an interview with 702.

He also called for the driving licence validity period to be extended from five to ten years, aligning South Africa with global standards.

“Everyone wants their cut, and motorists are suffering because of it.”

Is a Permanent Fix Finally Coming?

The Department has promised to implement a permanent solution once the machine is back online. However, critics argue this is long overdue—and too vague.

Duvenage believes Transport Minister Barbara Creecy should waive penalties and extend expired licences for another year until the issue is resolved.

“Motorists shouldn’t be paying for temporary licences while government systems fail.”

What South African Drivers Need to Know Now:

• Temporary driving licences are available and valid for six months.

• Receipts must be carried alongside expired or temporary licences.

• Repairs are estimated to complete within three weeks.

• A permanent fix has been promised but lacks concrete details.

• Calls for reform include outsourcing printing and extending licence validity.

This latest crisis highlights a larger issue within South Africa’s transport system: inefficient processes that pass the cost and inconvenience onto everyday citizens. While temporary solutions may ease the immediate pressure, meaningful reform is urgently needed. Until then, motorists are urged to get temporary licences to avoid penalties—but many are asking: why should we pay for government’s mistakes?

{Source: BusinessTech}

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