​Lerato Mailoane
As the deadline hovers for motorists to renew their expired drivers' licences, Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo has called on drivers not to panic.
With the 31 August deadline in place, panicked drivers who fear that they will not meet the deadline are resorting to illegal measures to access the online booking system, eNaTIS
The licence renewals have already been pushed back due to COVID-19 restrictions.
MEC Mamabolo said the province was working around the clock to address some of the challenges. 
From January till the end of July half a million drivers' licences have already been processed. 
The province has also introduced an SMS system in April which is providing people slots upfront. This saw over 130 000 slots being allocated. 
"The problem is much more pronounced because Gauteng has a large pool of vehicles. The challenges we have predates the outbreak of COVID-19. For the last few days, we have also introduced overtime where DLTCs also open over the weekend," Mamabolo explained. ​
The MEC did not want to pre-empt whether the national Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula would give an extension.
Motorist have expressed their frustration at not being able to secure a booking on the eNaTIS system, being allocated slots in far-out areas and being met non-cooperation from officials when seeking assistance.
In response, MEC Mamabolo said the system needs to be overhauled because there are failures as the function are spread across the national Department of Transport, Road Traffic Management Corporation, the municipality and the province.
"National government is responsible for the machines for eye testing and fingerprinting. In the 40 Driver License (DLTCs) in the province, we only run six and the municipality runs 34. The fragmentation across the system we need a complete overhaul," he added.
Mamabolo who recently visited various DLTCs said he understands the problems motorists experience. 
"During my visit to a DLTC in Hammanskraal, only two out of machines were working. In Kagiso where I visited last week Friday, only one out of six machines are working."
He said the problem is spread across because motorists often don't honour the slots they are given.
"Admittedly the booking system does have challenges, in Gauteng, we will provide support to assist those who haven't been assisted to date. The best way forward is better coordination with all role-players involved in this problem."
The MEC said they will soon announce a special set of measures guided by the minister's announcement. 
"We have also appointed a forensic investigation team which will investigate the allegations of corruption within the DLTCs and results of the investigation will be announced within six months," Mamabolo added.