Owing to the 31 August 2021 deadline being unrealistic, I welcome the decision by the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, to extend the grace period for licence renewals up until 31 March 2022. This will go a long way in giving motorists sufficient time to renew licenses.
In doing so, all learner licences, temporary driving licences, professional driving permits and driving licence cards which expired between 26 March last year and 31 August this year are now still valid for the time being.
MPP Mackenzie says: “The pandemic has been with us for well over a year now. We would have hoped national government would have planned accordingly to avoid confusion, long lines and crowding. Many residents now find themselves a part of the backlogs in these centres owing to the reduced capacities at these sites.
Nevertheless, we encourage residents to renew their licenses and follow all health and safety protocol. We also ask employers to be more lenient and to allow their employees more time in this regard over the next six months. Their well-being remains priority number one.”
