ERMELO – Local licensing offices have remained closed this week, leaving residents, motorists, and businesses frustrated and uncertain.

On Thursday morning, January 8, scores of people were seen queuing outside the offices, while some individuals moved in and out of the building.

A local car dealership confirmed that no services were available, and the offices remained officially closed.

The closures have caused confusion, as certain sections may be operating while others are not, though the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison has not clarified this.

Spokesperson Moeti Mmusi confirmed on January 9 that he was aware of the closures, first reported on January 4, and said he needed to consult senior management before giving details.

Unverified sources suggest the disruption may relate to dissatisfaction over traffic officer learnership allocations during the holiday period, but the department has not confirmed any link to the licensing office closures as yet.

It has also been indicated by sources that the licensing offices operate under two different departments, with the traffic component falling under the Department of Public Works, while the licensing services are managed by the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.

Despite the alleged dispute relating to traffic learnerships, traffic officers have reportedly continued operating as normal, while licensing services remain affected, adding to public confusion.

Ultimately, many residents and businesses are less concerned about the internal administrative issues behind the closure than they are about when full services will resume.

With the offices having been closed from January 5 to January 9, members of the public are seeking a clear answer on when they will once again be able to access licensing and registration services — an answer that, at this stage, the department has been unable to provide.

Read the complete article in next week’s print edition of the Highvelder.