South Africa’s Driving Licence Backlog Finally Eases: Relief for Motorists as New Printing Plan Rolls Out

After months of frustration and waiting, South African motorists are finally seeing progress on one of the country’s most persistent administrative headaches the driving licence backlog.

The Department of Transport (DoT) has announced that the backlog has dropped dramatically, from around 800 000 outstanding cards in May to about 200 000 today.

Around The-Clock Effort

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy credited teams at the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) for working “around the clock in three shifts” to catch up on the delay. Production has continued using the department’s older printing machine the same one that’s been breaking down intermittently since 2023.

Creecy noted that while the current system has its limits, the coordinated push by staff has made a noticeable dent in the waiting list. “It’s been all hands on deck,” she said during a recent briefing.

A Backup Printing System On The Way

To avoid repeating past delays, the DoT is setting up a backup printing facility at the Government Printing Works (GPW). The plan is to ensure that if the existing machine fails again, production won’t grind to a halt.

This comes after months of public frustration, with motorists across the country sharing their stories of waiting weeks sometimes months for a simple card renewal. Many took to social media to celebrate the latest announcement, with one user posting, “Finally some progress! Let’s hope it lasts.”

Tender Troubles And A Turnaround

Behind the scenes, a controversial R898 million tender for a new card-printing system slowed things down further. The contract, awarded in 2024 to Idemia Identity and Security South Africa, faced scrutiny after the Auditor-General flagged irregularities.

The dispute landed in court, leaving the department reliant on outdated technology. But this month, the high court confirmed that the case will proceed without opposition a move Creecy called “a relief” that should speed up the introduction of the new system.

A Brighter Road Ahead For Motorists

For now, motorists can breathe a little easier. The DoT’s focus on both clearing the backlog and introducing a reliable backup system means South Africans could soon have a more efficient and modern licence production process.

While it may be too soon to declare victory, the message is clear: the worst of the licence card chaos might finally be in the rear-view mirror.

{Source:The South African}

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