By Selloane Ntshonyane
- The centre uses new technology to help people apply for or renew licences faster without travelling far or standing in long lines.
- It’s part of the government’s plan to improve services in townships, informal settlements and hostels across Gauteng.
Soweto residents no longer need to travel far or wait in long queues to renew their driver’s licences.
A brand-new Smart Licensing Centre officially opened at Protea Glen Mall on Tuesday, 22 July. The launch was led by Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
This is the second smart centre in Soweto, after one opened earlier this year at Maponya Mall in Klipspruit.
The new centre is part of the Gauteng government’s plan to improve service delivery in townships, informal settlements and hostels, known as TISH communities.
The centre uses new technology to speed up the process and reduce waiting times. Residents can now apply for or renew their driver’s licences, pay traffic fines and complete other transport services without having to stand in long lines at old-style offices.
Diale-Tlabela said the centre will make a big difference in people’s lives. “This is about bringing services closer to our communities and making them easier to access,” she said.
She added that the department is focusing on improving customer service and reducing congestion at older offices.
The Protea Glen Smart Licensing Centre offers many services, including:
- Driver’s licence card renewals
- Professional driver’s permits
- Temporary licences
- Vehicle licence disk renewals
- Duplicate registration certificates
- Vehicle registrations
- Free change of ownership
- Confirmation of driver’s licences
- Payment of traffic fines
The MEC said the department plans to open more smart centres to improve access to transport services across the province.
Pictured above: MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela at the launch of the new Protea Glen Smart Licensing Centre.
Image source: Facebook
