The driving licence card crisis that left hundreds of thousands of South African motorists in limbo is finally showing signs of relief.
Data from the Department of Transport shows the driving licence card application backlog has dropped from 756 227 cards in May to 336 028 by mid-September.
The turnaround followed the repair of the country’s only card printing machine, which failed in February after decades of service and more than 160 breakdowns.
Driving licence card applications could be cleared soon
Now, the Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi has confirmed that the number of outstanding cards has effectively dropped by more than half.
According to reports, the Driving Licence Card Authority has been running 24-hour shifts since repairs were completed. Officials also believe the backlog can be cleared by December this year.
But the department is not betting everything on the old machine.
In July, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy revealed a new interim solution: a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Home Affairs. Under the plan, the Government Printing Works, responsible for passports and Smart ID cards, will also produce driving licences.
The new printing system is expected to be ready by October, offering a safeguard against further breakdowns and ensuring motorists aren’t left stranded again.
