South Africa’s car and driver’s licences will remain valid while Covid-19 measures keep licensing offices closed, and citizens from renewing their paperwork, according to new transport regulations.
In terms of disaster regulations issued by transport minister Fikile Mbalula, during the lock-down, the validity period for learner’s licence, driving licence, motor vehicle licence disk, temporary permit, professional driving permit and roadworthy certificates shall be deemed to be valid.
These regulations may be extended for a further grace period of 30 days from the date of expiry of a lockdown unless determined otherwise.
The validity period for the renewal of a motor trade number licence during the lockdown shall be deemed to be valid and shall be extended fora further grace period of 6 months from the date of expiry of a lock-down.
Driving licence testing centres and vehicle testing stations will remain closed during the lockdown period.
The regulations came into force immediately on publication on Monday, 30 March.
Also read: Coronavirus: Public Transport Restrictions Relaxed to Accommodate Grant Beneficiaries
Following the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the days of social grants would be paid, a number of industry bodies have made representations on the relaxation of hours public transport vehicles are allowed to operate. A similar request was made by the Minister of Social Development, Minister Lindiwe Zulu.
Having considered Minister Zulu’s request and representations made by various industry bodies, including the taxi industry, I have decided to amend the Public Transport Directions in order to accommodate grant beneficiaries.
Effective from tomorrow, 30 March 2020 until Friday, 3 April 2020, buses and taxis will be permitted to operate from 05:00 until 20:00 in order to cater to the transportation needs of society’s most vulnerable.
Also read: Coronavirus: We are now Entering a New Phase in the Fight Against the COVID-19
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday night revealed that the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has risen to 1,326 – and three people are confirmed to have died from the coronavirus.
He was addressing the nation four days into the 21-day nationwide lockdown.
“We are now entering a new phase in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
In the coming days, the government will be rolling out a screening, testing, tracing and medical management programme on a huge scale.
“Around 10,000 field workers will be visiting homes in villages, towns and cities to screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms,” added Ramaphosa.
