Key Takeaways
- The Gauteng North High Court has set aside the tender for the production of new smart driving licence cards in South Africa, deeming it irregular, invalid, unlawful, and unenforceable.
- The transport department has been ordered to readvertise the tender within 30 days.
- Pending the appointment of a new service provider, the department has been allowed to outsource the printing and issuing of driving licence cards to the home affairs department.
- The court’s decision has been welcomed by the transport minister and deputy minister as a vindication of the department’s commitment to transparency and legitimacy in tender processes.
- The choice of Idemia as the preferred bidder had been questioned by the AA and Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse due to a lack of clarity in the appointment process.
Introduction to the Court Ruling
The Gauteng North High Court has made a significant ruling regarding the production of new smart driving licence cards in South Africa. The court has declared that the tender awarded to French technology company Idemia Identity and Security is irregular, invalid, unlawful, and unenforceable. This decision has been made after an auditor-general investigation found irregularities in the tender process. As a result, the transport department has been ordered to readvertise the tender within 30 days, allowing for a new and transparent process to take place.
Reaction to the Court Ruling
The transport minister, Barbara Creecy, and deputy minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it vindicates the department’s commitment to transparency and legitimacy in tender processes. The ministers believe that the decision to approach the court for guidance on the matter was a necessary step for effective regulation. The AA and Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse had previously questioned the choice of Idemia as the preferred bidder, citing a lack of clarity in the appointment process. The court’s ruling has provided a clear and fair outcome, ensuring that the tender process is transparent and free from irregularities.
The Printing of Driving Licence Cards
The transport department has announced that the backlog in issuing driver cards has been resolved. The printing of cards was delayed due to the breakdown of the printing machine from February to May last year. However, from May to December 8, 2025, the Driving Licence Card Account agency printed 2,239,456 cards. The State Security Agency has also approved the prototype driving licence card designed by the government printing works. Additionally, the establishment of the network connection between the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the printing works was successfully tested, allowing for the transfer of data/files required to print driving licence cards.
Future Plans for Driving Licence Cards
A process will soon be undertaken for cabinet approval of the prototype card design. This is a significant step forward in the production of new smart driving licence cards. The transport department is committed to ensuring that the new cards are secure, efficient, and effective. The government printing works has been performing the government’s security printing function, and it is expected that they will play a key role in the production of the new cards. The court’s ruling has provided a fresh start for the tender process, and it is hoped that the new process will be transparent, fair, and free from irregularities.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the Gauteng North High Court’s ruling has set aside the tender for the production of new smart driving licence cards in South Africa. The transport department has been ordered to readvertise the tender, and pending the appointment of a new service provider, the department has been allowed to outsource the printing and issuing of driving licence cards to the home affairs department. The court’s decision has been welcomed by the transport minister and deputy minister, and it is hoped that the new tender process will be transparent, fair, and free from irregularities. The production of new smart driving licence cards is an important step forward for South Africa, and it is expected that the new cards will be secure, efficient, and effective.