…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
The Department of Transport has confirmed that the driver’s licence card production machine, which was out of operation for three weeks, is now back and functioning normally.
The machine underwent a maintenance period during which a broken part was identified and replaced.
Increased Production and Backlog Clearing Plan
According to spokesperson Collen Msibi, with the machine back in operation, the production rate will increase from the 60,000 cards produced during the testing period to approximately 120,000 cards per week.
Over the past two financial years, the machine has printed an average of 2,850,000 cards per annum.
However, a backlog of 350,000 cards has accumulated over the past five weeks.
The department has developed a catch-up plan to address the backlog, aiming to clear it by the end of August 2023.
Introduction of a New Driving Licence Card
The Department of Transport is currently working on the introduction of a new driving licence card, which was approved by Cabinet in August 2022.
The new card is expected to be launched before the end of the current financial year.
Along with the new card, new card production machines will be implemented to replace the current machine, signaling an upgrade in the production process.
Conclusion:
With the driver’s licence card production machine now operational, the Department of Transport anticipates a significant increase in production capacity.
The backlog of 350,000 cards accumulated during the machine’s maintenance period will be addressed by the end of August 2023.
Furthermore, the department is working on the introduction of a new driving licence card, set to be launched before the end of the current financial year.
This new card will come with upgraded card production machines, enhancing the efficiency of the card production process.