411
South Africa Faces Delays in New Smart Driving Licences Amid Controversial Tender Investigation
South Africa’s move to new smart driving licence cards, designed to combat fraud and counterfeiting, has hit a major roadblock due to a controversial tender investigation. The Auditor-General’s (AG) investigation into the driver’s licence card printing machine tender could result in further delays to the country’s much-needed system upgrade.
What’s at Stake?
South Africa’s current driver’s licence printing machine is 26 years old and has suffered 159 breakdowns, leaving motorists waiting long periods for their new licences. The government had hoped that the new smart cards—equipped with enhanced security features and faster production timelines—would improve this process. However, due to complications with the tender for the necessary printing machines, this transition is now uncertain.
Tender Troubles: The Controversy
The Department of Transport (DoT) had planned to roll out the new smart cards in phases from 2023 to 2026, but delays have already pushed back the timeline. The tender for the new licence printing machines was awarded to IDEMIA Identity and Security in September 2024, but the process has been marred by several issues:
- The contract price soared from R468 million to R899 million.
- Outa (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse) has alleged that pricing envelopes were tampered with and that one bidder was wrongly penalized.
- The Auditor-General was asked to investigate whether the DoT followed supply chain management procedures and whether data security was adequately addressed.
In January 2025, the AG completed its investigation and handed the report to Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy. The findings are currently being reviewed, with an executive summary of the report expected soon.
The Impact of the Delay
Due to the ongoing investigation, South Africa’s progress toward smart driver’s licences is delayed once again. The new licence card rollout was supposed to begin in April 2024, but it’s now unclear when the project will actually kick off. The new printing machines—designed to handle increased production at two main sites and one disaster recovery location—are critical to reducing the delays faced by South African motorists. With the ongoing investigation, further delays are possible.
What’s Next?
If the investigation uncovers wrongdoing, the tender process could be scrapped entirely, resulting in more delays for the rollout of smart cards. Wayne Duvenage, CEO of Outa, has called for Minister Creecy to cancel the current tender and open a new process with more oversight.
Without resolution, South African motorists will continue to face long waits for their new driving licences, and the prospect of faster, more secure cards remains distant.
Key Dates and Issues in the Driver’s Licence Card Rollout
| Date | Event | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| August 2022 | Cabinet approves new smart driving licences | Initial approval and tender issued |
| 1 Sept 2024 | IDEMIA awarded tender for printing machines | Controversy over pricing and bid tampering |
| April 2024 | Planned start of smart licence production | Missed deadline due to tender delays |
| Jan 2025 | Auditor-General completes investigation report | Findings could influence the tender outcome |
| March 2025 | Expected resolution on tender investigation | Potential for further delays or tender cancellation |
What’s Holding Up the New Driving Licence Cards?
As South Africa strives to improve its driving licence system with smart cards, delays caused by tender issues and investigations have pushed the timeline further into uncertainty. Although new licence production machines could significantly improve turnaround times, government action and oversight mechanisms will determine if the promised improvements are ever realized.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
