People wanting to renew their driver’s licences at the Centurion Licensing Department yet again arrived at closed doors on Wednesday, this time due to a union meeting. Last week the offices were closed due to a lack of water.
According to Thys Brits’ message on Twitter, the office closed for the staff’s union meeting on Wednesday morning, allegedly without prior notice. “When we arrived at the offices there was a note on a pillar informing us that the offices would reopen at 11:00.”
According to a staff member, these union meetings have been held every second Wednesday for many years. He also confirmed that notices were put up to inform the public. Many people have to take time off work and only have a limited time available to stand in the long queues at the Licensing Department.
Ward Councillor Peter Sutton has raised this issue with the Licensing Department and the municipality. “I still don’t understand why all the staff need to leave the office. Skeleton staff should be arranged to accommodate clients,” Sutton suggested.
Sutton also said the Licensing Department should communicate better with the public. “There were no notices prior to these Wednesdays indicating that the offices would be closed. People have to drive through the gates, park their cars and walk to the entrance before realising that the offices are closed.”
Mimpie Erasmus said she worked in Sandton and the offices being closed was a major inconvenience to her when she tried to renew her driver’s licence. “I had to take leave from work specifically to be at the Licensing Department early enough,” she said.
The metro police spokesperson, Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, was not available for comment.
