Following the problems experienced at licensing centres across Gauteng, Centurion in particular, the DA conducted a follow up visit to the facility.
Although a general improvement in efficiency and staff attitudes seems to have taken place, the biggest single disruption in the licencing procedure was experienced at the eye-test station.
The majority of testing machines were unmanned leading to long delays and frustration.
This is a simple organisational problem, not beyond the capacity of management to fix.
The breakdown of these facilities has negative impact on the economy as applicants often have to leave work leading to down time.
It is not uncommon for employers to have to give their staff up to three days off to visit the licencing centres.
Unpaid leave is often the norm.
What should be a quick routine operation turns into a frustrating and time-consuming exercise.
This applies equally to school learners and students who lose out on precious class and study time.
Inefficiency in the licencing system impacts negatively on both municipal and provincial revenues, as a large percentage of fees obtained in the licencing and testing process reverts to municipal coffers with the rest going to the Province.
Delays in the process inevitably slow down the revenue flow.
There should be an environment of trust and confidence between officials and the public, who ultimately pay their salaries.
The situation in a number of licencing centres unnecessarily erodes this relationship, making the corrective steps which should be taken all the more urgent.
Media enquiries:
Justus de Goede MPL
DA Gauteng Spokesperson on Transport
060 558 8305