MBOMBELA – Motorists and car dealerships have been unable to obtain or renew vehicle licences since Friday.
This is because the local licensing division has run out of the paper needed to print these licences on. Lowvelder is being inundated with calls from readers complaining that they cannot renew theirs.
A local car dealer, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the publication that Mbombela Local Municipality (MLM) allegedly owes the service provider which supplies the paper, millions of rand.
“I believe they owe eNatis up to R40 million for this paper. This has major implications for us who work in the motor industry. Dealers cannot put vehicles on floor plans and you have to title a purchased car in the name of the buyer to get paid by the bank. This has huge effects on our cash flow and we fear that some customers may even back out of deals as we cannot deliver their vehicles,” he said.
Ms Lara Coertzen’s licence has already expired. She said an official at the licensing office advised her to go to the office in Hazyview or not to drive her car.
Lowvelder approached MLM spokesman, Mr Joseph Ngala, for comment. He referred to the shortage of the paper as an “administrative challenge” and said concerted efforts are currently underway to have the service restored expeditiously”.
Ngala continued, “The municipality remains committed in ensuring that the objects of the municipality realise as set out under chapter seven of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. We are also aware of the implications of the shortage of this paper to motorists. However, there is no need for panic as it will be delivered during the next 24 hours.”
He said all other services are continuing at the centres.
Ngala would not elaborate on the amount owed to the service provider, saying, “Matters between the client and service provider can only be discussed at that level and only shared with third parties after consent by both parties”.
