DEAR Editor,-
Media claims by the KZN Department of Transport (DoT) that it is currently implementing contingency plans to deal with a severe backlog in the processing of drivers’ license card applications ring hollow as utter confusion continues to reign at motor licensing bureaus in the province.
ALSO READ : Driver’s licences and renewals still face backlog
Almost two weeks ago, the DA wrote to KZN Transport MEC Mxolisi Kaunda to request urgent intervention.
This as desperate and frustrated citizens continued to make repeat visits to bureaus, either to try to renew licenses, renew temporary licenses or to collect licenses, which sometimes do not even exist.
Despite the seriousness of the problem, the DA is yet to receive any form of acknowledgement, let alone a response, from the MEC.
The reality is quite different to the improved picture that the department is trying to paint.
Numerous applicants still have no idea as to what the department’s true position is in a number of key areas. Some issues that remain outstanding and require urgent clarity include:-
* Are applicants expected to re-apply for temporary licenses each time they expire?
* Will they be charged R90 each time?
* Why are they being asked to redo eye tests and fingerprints each time they reapply for temporary licenses?
* When does the DoT expect the backlog to be relieved ?
A recent media article quoted a senior departmental official saying that if motorists are stopped by a traffic law enforcement officer, they will be allowed to proceed if they can produce an expired temporary license.
The question is – has this communication been filtered down to each and every traffic department and RTI officer in the province?
Another important question is whether motorists will still be adequately insured in the event of an accident if they do not have proof of a valid license?
The DoT in KZN is also yet to respond to allegations that just a handful of government printing works employees are responsible for compromising the entire e-Natis system (as alleged by officials at some KZN licensing bureaus).
While the DA in KZN has referred this to our national counterparts, we still expect MEC Kaunda to tell us:-
* How many KZN motor license applicants’ information was compromised?
* Has the KZN DoT referred this serious allegation to its national colleagues for investigation yet?
* If yes, is there any outcome? The DA was reliably informed that individuals behind the alleged sabotage are all back at work.
The DA expects MEC Kaunda to tell the people of KZN where they stand and when and how this complete debacle will be fixed. They can no longer be messed around.
RAFEEK SHAH, MPL
DA KZ Spokesman on Transport
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