​By David Ndodana and Sithembile
Sithole
Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela on Wednesday, 20 March 2024, officiated over the opening of the Atteridgeville Smart Licensing Centre located at Mnandi Shopping Complex in Atteridgeville, city of Tshwane.
 
Boasting state-of-the-art innovation, coupled with an unwavering focus on efficacy, convenience, professionalism and community engagement, the centre is aimed at establishing a higher level of quality and convenience in providing licensing services. The centre, in the heart of Atteridgeville, is part of prioritising service delivery interventions within townships, informal settlements and hostels (TISH).
 
In his welcoming remarks, ward councillor, Ms. Moabelo said “we welcome all of you today, and thanks for delivering a much-awaited service delivery imitative, a smart licensing centre to our community”. 
 
Head of Department, Dr Thulani Mdadane gave a statement of purpose, saying the “MEC is here today to launch the integrated licensing centre, where services will be provided. Residents of Atteridgeville will come to the complex for shopping and also access government services. This is a response to Premier Lesufi’s call to prioritise townships”.
 
Representatives from the transport industry, driving schools, vehicle testing sector and Mnandi Shopping Complex gave messages of support. In her message of support, City of Tshwane MMC for Roads and Transport; Ms. Katlego Mathebe said “as a City of Tshwane, we are in support of this initiative, and we are happy that the Gauteng Provincial Government is leading the way in bringing smart technology. We are transforming our City to be customer-centric and bring service to the people in their doorsteps. Welcome MEC, and well done”. 
 
Chairperson of Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Roads and Transport Mr. Gregory Schneemann also gave a message of support. “It is a privilege to be here and witness the launch of the new generation of DLTC’s. The Premier of Gauteng gave a direction that focus must be on the townships and this is the actioning of such a directive. As we use technology, the services will be effective and efficient. As a portfolio committee, we are a multi-party committee, and we are happy with the work the Department is doing”. 
 
Giving a keynote address, MEC Diale-Tlabela thanked the team for delivering on the project. “Let me appreciate all guests who are here today to celebrate this day with us, the project team and DRT team for delivering this project”. “Premier Lesufi made a commitment to prioritise townships, and as a Department, we are happy to deliver a smart licensing centre here in Atteridgeville. The project is part of improving revenue collection for Gauteng Province, and to rid licensing centres of fraud and corruption.
 
Residents of Atteridgeville were travelling long distances, and now we are bringing licensing services in their doorsteps, and this took us three months to deliver this project. The project created job opportunities for local people of Atteridgeville” the MEC added. She went on to thank local councillors. 
 
“We want to thank the ward councillors for supporting the project. The Department will continue to work with you in undertaking roads maintenance in the area”. The MEC further urged the community to take care of licensing centre. 
 
In concluding, the MEC indicated the Gautrain Management Agency will provide assistance in the management and running of the licensing centre.
 
Services at the Smart Licensing Centre include:
 
1) Applications for Learner Licence code 1, 2 & 3;
2) Issue of Learners Licences;
3) Renewals of Driving Licences;
4) Applications for PrDP for Goods, Passenger & Dangerous Goods;
5) Issue of PrDP;
6) Renewals of PrDP; and
7) Applications for Duplicates of Learners Licences, Driving Licence & PrDPs