OPINION: ‘Driving licence renewal frustration’

DEAR Editor:

Following the letter from “Totally Disillusioned” in the March 15 edition, I wish to re-iterate the frustration of renewing a driver’s licence at the Umzinto licensing office.

I applied for the renewal of my driver’s licence on December 11, 2018. After submitting documents and having my fingerprints taken, I proceeded to another queue – to the cashier – only to be told that I needed a photograph and photocopy of my ID.

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There is nowhere in that office with a sign that indicates the requirements for the renewal of a driving licence. There is no management around – At best an elderly gentleman walks around with blue and green forms who does not communicate to the people waiting in line.

On returning with the required documentation I was advised that the process would take approximately eight weeks. During the second week of March, I had not received any feedback and proceeded with my receipt to the office having been told that a check on the “system” must be done prior to collection.

This time the cashier pushed a printout from the computer underneath the glass partition and advised me: “Go to the back of the queue and have fingerprints taken.” At this visit, there was another machine installed, just in front of the cashier’s cubicle, and an official in casual dress was operating the machine. This process was not that long and another set of fingerprints was taken as well as a photograph.

He advised me that I would receive an SMS notification.

This frustrating procedure could be rectified with suitable notices on the office doors or building, and ushers assisting the public with regard to their applications

The heat in the summer months is very taxing not only on pensioners, but to all, and standing in queues just adds to their frustrations.

FRUSTRATED RETIREE

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