BAD news for motorists with expired drivers' licences in SA
The South African has been keeping track of the licence printing debacle that's several years behind schedule. However, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), has now revealed that papers have been filed to overturn the existing R886-million contract. This means we are no further along to resolving the issue of expired drivers' licences than we were years ago. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has been under attack for her handling of the backlog debacle. Even though the irregularities took place before she was in office. Image: File
In fact, so desperate is the DOT that it asked the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to help print expired drivers' licences. However, even this hasn't gone smoothly, because the output needs to be approved the State Security Agency (SSA) before going ahead. The minister. had hoped for a three-month turnaround, but even this stop-gap solution looks unlikely.
Meanwhile, it's estimated that the current backlog of expired drivers' licences now exceeds 600 000, reports TopAuto . Likewise, papers filed by the department in the High Court request a complete re-run of the tender process, which was originally awarded to French firm, Idemia. SA motorists will be given six months' grace if found driving without a valid driver's licence. However, you must be able to produce proof of renewal. Image: File
Moreover, the sustainability of the DOT's ambitious new licence system is now in doubt. The department wanted fully digital, connected Driver's Licence Card Accounts (DLCA), but irregularities in the original tender procurement process could put pay to that elaborate idea, in favour of something more cost effective.
The Audit General of SA's report found that Idemia had, 'failed to meet key bid technical requirements.' Primarily when it came to inadequate budget analysis and inconsistent application scoring. As a result, a backlog of expired drivers' licences continues to grow as the current, outdated printing machine suffers from frequent breakdowns. South Africa's aged card printing machine should have been replaced more than a decade ago. Image: File
Furthermore, papers filed by the department outline other flaws in the tender application process. Including a R400-million cost escalation from the Cabinet-approved budget of R486 million, resulting in a total of R886 million. Even at this elevated cost, the successful tender used outdated pricing and omitted basic printing material costs, which would have increased taxpayer expense further still. It is unclear whether Idemia will oppose the DOT's court challenge.
Meanwhile, anyone who awaiting expired drivers' licences is exempt from fines for six months. However, they must be able to show a renewal receipt as proof. At the start of July 2025, the number of expired drivers' licences waiting in the system were 602 831. 192 856 of which were destined for Gauteng, 86 862 for the Western Cape and 85 313 in backlog for KwaZulu-Natal.
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