South Africa’s R400 Million Driving Licence Tender Scandal: Calls for Transparency Grow Louder

If you’ve tried to renew your driver’s licence recently, you’re probably painfully aware of the frustrating delays and mounting backlog. But this isn’t just a case of machines breaking down—it’s a story of millions in public funds, contested contracts, and government secrecy, with millions of South African motorists caught in the middle.

When R400 Million Turns Into Broken Promises

Back in March, the spotlight shone harshly on a R400 million tender for new driver’s licence card printing machines. The Department of Transport awarded the contract to French company Idemia, meant to replace a single outdated machine that has long been the bottleneck for renewals. But the plan quickly went off course.

The Auditor-General’s office flagged major irregularities in the tender process. What should have cost just under half a billion rand ballooned to nearly R900 million—a jaw-dropping overrun of more than R400 million. This shocking increase raised eyebrows and suspicions across government and the public alike.

The DA Steps In: Demand for Answers and Accountability

Dr Chris Hunsinger, DA spokesperson on transport, has been vocal about the scandal. He describes the licence card printing machine’s breakdown as “a collapse that continues to paralyse renewals for millions.” The backlog currently stands at a staggering 733,000 delayed cards, reflecting not just a technical failure, but a systemic crisis.

The DA insists the Department of Transport has been hiding behind ongoing court cases to avoid releasing the full Auditor-General’s report. In response, the DA plans to file a formal Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request to get the entire report into the public domain.

Further, the DA promises to push parliamentary questions and summon key officials to explain the escalating mess—demanding accountability not just for technical failures, but for potential financial mismanagement.

The Public’s Frustration and The Backstory

Social media has been buzzing with complaints from frustrated drivers stuck in queues or waiting months to renew licences. Many wonder why the government still relies on a single machine in a digital age. This tender scandal isn’t the first time South Africans have witnessed costly public procurement dramas, but the scale and direct impact on everyday lives make it especially galling.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s office has yet to respond publicly to these allegations, adding to the growing perception of a department that’s opaque and unresponsive.

Why This Matters Beyond Driver’s Licences

This isn’t just about inconvenience. Driving licences are essential documents that impact employment, mobility, and access to services. The tender saga exposes weaknesses in government procurement, accountability, and service delivery, fueling distrust in public institutions.

As the DA presses for transparency, the hope among citizens is that this scandal will prompt not just answers but real reform—starting with upgrading infrastructure and safeguarding taxpayer money.

South Africa’s R400 million driving licence tender has become a symbol of deeper issues plaguing public service delivery: ballooning costs, opaque dealings, and the consequences for millions of everyday people. As political pressure mounts, the public waits to see if transparency and accountability will finally win the day.

{Source: The Citizen}

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