BIG trouble for driver’s licence renewal in South Africa

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The drama surrounding driver’s licence renewal in South Africa is something akin to a really bad soap opera. The latest turn in the story sees the Auditor-General (AG) announcing numerous tender irregularities. This regards the appointment of a new card-printing supplier in 2024. The company in question is French firm Idemia Identity and Security. The same company that’s been embroiled in similar irregularities with the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA). Besides handling all driver’s licence renewal in South Africa, it would also oversee new digital Driver’s Licence Card Accounts (DLCAs).

Now, according to the AG, bid criteria for driver’s licence renewal in South Africa wasn’t applied consistently to all bidders, reports TopAuto. In response to the AG’s findings, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy confirmed no money has yet been spent on the rollout of driver’s licence renewal in South Africa. However, should the department forge ahead, it would be classed as irregular expenditure due to, “inconsistencies found in the tender process,” says the AG.

DRIVER’S LICENCE RENEWAL IN SOUTH AFRICA

The department now waits on a High Court recommendation on how to proceed with driver’s licence renewal in South Africa after bid irregularities were found. Image: File

As messy as it sounds, the Automobile Association (AA) has applauded the department’s action. It says it represents a crucial step towards transparency and accountability in the procurement process. Something the AA advocated for. However, now the minister is seeking a declaratory order from the High Court on how to proceed. Because to disband the tender altogether would necessitate cancellation penalties to Idemia. Therefore, the department’s hands are effectively tied until the High Court provides a recommendation.

Meanwhile, the country’s sole card-printing machine must forge on. The same one that’s already decades old, prone to breakdowns, and has been the cause of numerous backlogs. The department says it will look at interim solutions in the meantime. These include enhanced maintenance efforts on the lone printer to maintain its operating capacity. Another is issuance of temporary licences to those motorists suffering from the driver’s licence renewal backlog in South Africa.