![Transport Department: "Driving Licence Printer Back Up And Running"-SurgeZirc SA](https://surgezirc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/License.png)
The Department of Transport stated on Sunday that the country’s only machine capable of printing driver’s licences had been fixed.
In May, the machine was pulled out of service to replace a broken part.
According to the department, after the repairs were completed, the machine had to be checked for another two weeks before it could be put into full production.
Collen Msibi, the department’s spokesperson, said there is a catch-up plan in place to resolve the backlog.
He anticipates clearing the backlog by the end of August.
“This will see an increase in production from the 60 000 cards produced over the past 3 weeks during the testing period to about 120 000 cards per week,” Msibi said.
“The machine has printed an average 2 850 000 cards per annum in the past 2 financial years. The backlog is currently at 350 000 cards for the past five weeks.”
The department is also planning to implement a new driver’s licence card, which was approved by Cabinet in August.
“The new DL card will be launched before the end of the current financial year. It will also bring with it new card production machines to replace the current machine,” Msibi said.