No news yet for motorists waiting to collect their driver’s licences
A 60-day prohibition notice forces the Department of Community Safety to seek alternative premises while licence collections remain stalled.
Motorists remain in the dark about driver’s licences locked inside the main licensing office following its closure by labour inspectors over safety hazards.
There is also no clear timeline for when members of the public will be able to collect their documents.
The Department of Employment and Labour closed the facility after an inspection deemed the dilapidated building unsuitable for work and a danger to the public.
Alternative premises sought
The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) was given 60 days to implement corrective action or appeal the prohibition notice.
DCSSL spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said the department is exploring alternatives
“We are looking at getting a temporary office at the Piet Koornhof Building,” he said.
Structural defects exposed
The closure follows a video posted by Witbank News highlighting the unsafe conditions under which employees were working.
The newspaper investigated after receiving complaints from members of the public regarding the shutdown.
A burst pipe outside the building initially flooded the general waiting area and eye-testing room, exposing deeper structural defects.
READ MORE Still no news on the way forward at the main licensing office
Inside the offices, sections of the ceiling are falling out, paint is peeling off kitchen walls, electrical wires lie exposed, and personal documents remain shoved into corners.
“The inspection findings confirm that the employer failed to provide a health and safety environment by failing to maintain building structures. The building was prohibited for occupation due to unsafe electrical installations, hazardous biological hazards caused by water leaks in the building and ceiling boards they may collapse at any given time,” said Department of Employment and Labour provincial chief inspector Boikie Mampuru.
Limited satellite services
Only limited services are currently available at the satellite licensing office situated at the local fire department.
“For now, only vehicle renewals can be done at the satellite office,” Mmusi said.
Still no news on the way forward at the main licensing office #licensingdepartment #emalahleni #witbank #license @zitagoldswainhttps://t.co/mZHx91oBqE pic.twitter.com/a20fXXgPUq
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) August 3, 2026
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