MEC Jacob Mamabolo revealed this at a media briefing on Tuesday when he announced several measures to reduce the backlogs.
Mamabolo said the measures were put in place were in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
While motorists have had licence renewal frustrations for years, the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the situation. Last week, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula announced the extension of the validity of expired cards, learner’s licences and professional driving permits until 31 March 2022.
Those who have licences that expired during the Covid-19 lockdown will be prioritised.
Mamabolo said the Request a Slot app would soon be available for download on the Google Play Store.
It will be one of various platforms motorists can use to book renewals and new licences.
“These platforms include a web-based icon in which you click and request a slot. There is a web address.”
He added that the app registration with Google was still under way, but said it should be running by Monday.
In addition to this, centres will operate seven days a week from 07:00 to 21:00.
People can also request slots via email.
These are the platforms:
The email addresses are:
- requestaslot@gauteng.gov.za
- requestaslot@rtmc.co.za
Online bookings can be made at:
- https://online.natis.gov.za
- Renew_GP Android-Based App
Motorists are expected to submit their IDs and other personal information before they are provided with a slot.
“The problem we are also solving here is that we have publicly said that between January 2021 and July 2021, we issued 500 000 slots. People took them and we applaud and commend the people who took up their slots.
“We were able to process their driver’s licenses. But then we also have 130 000 people who did not honour their slots,” Mamabolo said.
He added that the 130 000 people had not requested the slots but were given the dates, which was probably why they had not pitched up.
With the Request a Slot campaign, the power is being handed back to motorists, Mamabolo said.
