Acting Transport Minister Jeff Radebe was emphatic on Wednesday that all South African drivers must have a new credit-card driving licence by May 1.
He emphasised that he would not buck to huge crowds at licensing offices around the country – who tried previously to get their licences at the last minute — pushing for another extension of the licence deadline. The previous deadline at the end of February was extended by government at the 11th hour to April 30.
They would be making ”a big mistake” if they thought the period would again be extended, he told members of the National Assembly during question time on Wednesday afternoon.
”Come the first of May … those who don’t have a valid driver’s licence … the law will take its place (be implemented).”
Meanwhile, the South African cabinet received a report on the Arrive Alive campaign. It indicated that fatal road accidents during December last year — the holiday period — were 3,6% higher than during the corresponding period of
the previous year.
”Cabinet approved a number of prioritised projects including integrated law enforcement, the establishment of a central traffic accident bureau as well as visibility and community based co-ordinating structures,” said cabinet representative Joel Netshitenzhe.
A cabinet statement said: ”Government wished once more to call on South Africans to observe the country’s laws as well as common sense and decency in using the roads – to drive safely and arrive alive. This appeal is even more pertinent in the coming Easter Holiday period.” – I-Net-Bridge