South African motorists could soon face further disruptions in obtaining their driving licence cards as licence card workers threaten to strike over job security. Employees at the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA), currently on contract under the Department of Transport (DoT), are demanding permanent employment and full benefits. If their demands are not met, they warn of a complete halt in licence card production, worsening existing backlogs and delays.
Potential Crisis Looms as Licence Card Workers Threaten to Strike
South African motorists may face further delays in receiving their driving licence cards as workers at the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) threaten to down tools. These licence card workers, currently employed on a contract basis under the Department of Transport (DoT), are demanding permanent employment and full benefits. If their demands are not met, they warn of a nationwide disruption in the issuing of driving licence cards.
A representative from the group, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over years of unfulfilled promises.
“DoT kept on giving us false promises. Director generals and chief financial officers come and go, yet nothing changes. Some colleagues are reaching pension age with no retirement benefits, no UIF, nothing. It’s unfair,” the worker said.
Another worker emphasized their dedication to clearing backlogs and serving the public but lamented that they feel unappreciated.
“The South African public will not receive any licence cards if we go on strike, and that’s not what we want. We’ve been working tirelessly, but our efforts seem invisible.”
Government Response and Labour Concerns
DoT spokesperson Collen Msibi acknowledged the potential crisis but stated that the department could not afford a licence card workers strike.
“If they were to down tools, it would be a disaster for us. We need to act swiftly,” Msibi said.
However, he highlighted legal constraints preventing immediate permanent employment offers.
“There is an HR workstream in place, working within the framework of the Public Service Act, to explore ways of absorbing these employees into permanent positions.”
Ongoing Driving Licence Card Challenges
The threatened licence card workers strike comes at a time when the DoT is already struggling with severe operational setbacks. South Africa’s driving licence card printing machine, which has been in service for over two decades, frequently breaks down, causing massive delays. The government has been working on replacing the outdated system, with plans to introduce new, advanced licence card printers.
In August 2024, the department awarded a contract to Idemia Identity and Security South Africa to procure the new machines. However, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) flagged serious irregularities in the tender process, leading Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to seek a court order declaring the contract invalid.
Tender Irregularities Spark Further Delays
According to the AGSA report, the licence card tender did not comply with the Public Finance Management Act and DLCA policies. The bid evaluation committee deviated from the specifications, and Idemia failed to meet key technical requirements. Additionally, the total cost of the contract—believed to be over R460 million—exceeded the DLCA’s approved budget, raising further concerns.
“The DLCA used outdated pre-Covid pricing in its budget submission, which did not accurately reflect the true costs of the project,” the AGSA noted.
Minister Creecy has since approached the High Court to nullify the contract, throwing the entire driving licence card system into further uncertainty.
Possible Ramifications for Motorists
With both the licence card workers threatening to strike and the procurement of new licence card machines facing legal challenges, South African motorists may experience extended delays in receiving their driving licence cards.
If the strike proceeds, the government will have to find urgent solutions to ensure that licence card production continues without disruption. However, with budget constraints, legal challenges, and labour disputes at play, a quick resolution remains uncertain.
The situation highlights the ongoing inefficiencies within the transport department and the urgent need for a sustainable solution to South Africa’s driving licence card crisis. Motorists are urged to stay updated on developments as the DoT navigates this complex issue.
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