If you’re driving with an expired licence, this is your final reminder! Transport minister Fikile Mbalula said this week his department will not extend the grace period for expired licences beyond 31 March. The grace period was put in place given a massive backlog of licence renewal applications following the closure of licensing centres during Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020. Mbalula, aka “Mr Fix” as he ironically calls himself on Twitter, said that motorists who fail to meet the deadline will face fines and possible prosecution. “We are increasing our capacity, so the backlog will not be an issue. I am making a call for people to go out and renew their cards, because we won’t extend the grace period,” said Mbalula.
It’s a controversial decision given the issues with renewing our licences after the lone printing machine broke down and was sent for repairs and the closure of several licensing centres across Gauteng following protests about the new electronic system that we told you about last week.
In other news, you might be reading this by candlelight because SA’s most unwelcome guest, load shedding, is back. Eskom says Stage 4 load shedding will be implemented from 09:00 on Wednesday morning until 05:00 on Friday. You can find your schedule here. Charge your power banks and stock up on candles!
This article appeared as part of The Wrap, 10 March 2022. Sign up to receive our weekly updates.
