Transport Minister Barbara Creecy is under increasing pressure from Rise Mzansi to provide a transparent update on the R1 billion procurement process for new driving licence production machines. Picture: Leon Lestrade/Independent Newspapers
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy is under increasing pressure from Rise Mzansi to provide a transparent update on the R1 billion procurement process for new driving licence production machines.
With the last official update provided over three months ago, concerns are mounting regarding the progress and transparency of the investment.
“Rise Mzansi is calling on the Minister of Transport to take the nation into her confidence and to be transparent, without interfering in the work of the bidding committee, by providing an update to South Africans on how far the process is,” the party’s chief whip Makhashule Gana said.
He made the comment after Creecy disclosed that the current machine was nearing the end of its operational lifespan due to its age, necessitating the urgent roll-out of new equipment.
She said a service provider had been appointed to assist the department to roll out the new driving licences.
Three machines will be procured –two for the primary site and one for a disaster recovery site – at a cost of R334 million each.
“The cost of the machine itself, including the required software for its operations, is R334 407 928,” she said.
Responding to parliamentary questions, Creecy provided insight into the procurement, maintenance and repair processes.
“R21 million was spent by the department on repairs and maintenance over the past five years. Maintenance is budgeted for R870 000 for the current financial year,” she said, adding that the new machines will also be repaired and maintained domestically.
In separate inquiries from DA MP Thamsanqa Mabhena, Creecy clarified that the tender has been finalised and a service provider appointed to deliver a turnkey solution for the personalisation of smart card driving licences.
She said during the advertising of the tender, both local and international service providers had an equal opportunity to bid.
“The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has supported the department in the development and technical aspects of the new driving licence card, including providing subject matter expertise in the procurement process undertaken.”
Creecy also said the Government Printing Works had been consulted.
Cape Times
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