{"id":93915,"date":"2024-12-11T09:45:53","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T07:45:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/?p=93915"},"modified":"2024-12-11T09:45:53","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T07:45:53","slug":"south-africas-drivers-license-system-in-shambles-outa-calls-for-urgent-reform","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/south-africas-drivers-license-system-in-shambles-outa-calls-for-urgent-reform\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa\u2019s Driver\u2019s License System in Shambles: OUTA Calls for Urgent Reform"},"content":{"rendered":"

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za<\/a> <\/em>
\n3-minute read
\n11 December 2024 | 09:42 \u00a0CAT<\/p>\n

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OUTA highlights inefficiencies in South Africa\u2019s driver\u2019s license system, calling for urgent reforms to address corruption and outdated infrastructure.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Organization Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) warns that South Africa’s driver\u2019s license card issuing system has reached a breaking point. Persistent delays, malfunctions, and inefficiencies have frustrated millions of motorists, exacerbating a systemic crisis.<\/p>\n

In an interview with Radio Islam International<\/a>, OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenhage highlights a key issue: the country’s reliance on a single, outdated card-printing machine. \u201cThis machine has been breaking down frequently, creating extensive backlogs. People are forced to get temporary licenses while waiting for their permanent cards. It’s an inconvenience that South Africans shouldn\u2019t have to endure,\u201d Duvenhage stated during a recent interview.<\/p>\n

The Department of Transport, plagued by administrative mismanagement and corruption allegations, has yet to implement long-overdue upgrades. A new driver\u2019s license card system, promised over five years ago, has been delayed due to tender irregularities. \u201cManipulated procurement processes and conflicts of interest are stalling progress,\u201d Duvenhage added, noting that the latest tender process left a single bidder with an exorbitant price tag.<\/p>\n

Motorists also face additional hurdles during renewal, including non-functional eye-testing equipment at testing centres. This forces individuals to seek private optometrists, adding financial strain, particularly on the poor. \u201cThe poorest of the poor are now spending R250 or more on eye tests that should be free,\u201d Duvenhage said.<\/p>\n

OUTA has proposed a series of measures to address the crisis, including:<\/p>\n