eMBALENHLE – The car license renewal department offices of the Govan Mbeki Municipality have been non operational for about three weeks.
Council said this was due to reasons beyond their control.
In the notice issued, Mr Mela Mahlangu, municipal manager, said the offices will be closed until 4 April.
He said management has resolved that the Govan Mbeki Municipal traffic office will also not issue fines for expired license discs until that date.
However motorists were upset and said it was too late and the decision has caused a lot of inconvenience.
Ms Charmain Austin, who has been going to the municipal office to renew her license disc, said this is unfair towards motorists.
“According to my knowledge, the municipality must give people an acknowledgement letter to protect them from getting fines when they travel to other provinces.
“Because of the offices now being closed, we cancelled our trips because we can not drive with unregistered cars.
“They locked the office and those who must help us, are all on leave.”
Ms Thembisile Mohopi, a new car owner, bought a second-hand car as a surprise to her parents and cannot take the car to her parents in Limpopo anymore because it is not registered.
“ I do not know what to do.
“I will be forced to drive the unlicensed car to Limpopo, because this holiday is the only chance I have to do so.
“Who will be responsible for the fines?”
Some people said this opens a gap for criminals to steal cars.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality apologised for the inconvenience and said it hopes the situation will be sorted out soon.
For further information, contact the licensing department at 078 620 6121.
