Printer mystery: New driver's licence cards could face delay
It’s currently unclear if the printer needed to make the new driver’s licences in South Africa has been installed or even arrived in the country.
Buckle up, South Africa, those fancy new driver's licences might be delayed again!
With just 48 hours to the promised launch, there's no sign that the printer needed to produce them has been installed or if it has even arrived in South Africa, reports My Broadbrand.
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga assured the country two weeks ago that they're "at the tail-end" of getting the machine, according to SABC News, but will it arrive in time?These new licences boast high-tech features including holograms and biometric data, making them harder to fake. They'll also be internationally recognised, but the wait seems never-ending.
The new printer is also supposed to hasten the printing process, making the turnaround time from successful application to delivery about five business days. This is a significant change from the previous 14 business days.
The project has seen multiple delays, with the original launch planned for last year.
A 2022 report by News24 stated that the new licences were meant to be piloted from 1 November 2023 to 31 March 2024.
There's another worry - a single printer! This is where things become a bit worrisome. Experts warn a single new machine is a recipe for future headaches, but the department has assured drivers that it's an anti-corruption measure.
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