By Kaya 959 News
UPDATE (12:30) – The strike might not go ahead as planned. Kaya 959 News has reliably been informed that transport officials have called a meeting with the organisers of the strike.
Motorists who have appointments at Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) in Gauteng on Friday are being warned to anticipate demonstrations that may disrupt services.
This comes as members of the National Driving School Association plan to embark on a three-day strike at the centres.
The business owners have expressed their frustration over the NaTIS online booking system.
They say the system disadvantages driving school operators by making it difficult for them to secure bookings and make revenue.
Three-day shutdown
Last month, the association submitted a memorandum to the Department of Transport and the RTMC on the matter, but it says it has not received a response.
The latest leg of their planned demonstration is set to take place on Friday – as well as Monday and Tuesday next week.
The national chairperson of the association, Abel Mosipa, says they will make sure no DLTC operates during the protest.
-
play_arrow
Driving schools plan three-day strike over online booking system Tamlyn
NaTIS booking system
The NaTIS online booking service was launched in Gauteng in 2018.
The system was meant to ease the application process and reduce long queues at centres across the province.
Officials have plans to take the system nationwide.
But many motorists have complained that they are unable to get slots online.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to further delays. Both online and walk-in bookings were affected.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula had extended the grace period for driving licences that expired last year.
“All learner’s licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expire during the period that commenced from 26 March 2020 up to and including 31 December 2020 are deemed to be valid and their validity periods are extended for a further grace period ending on 31 August 2021.” (Gazette 43958, 3 December 2020).
The extension, however, does not apply to vehicle licences.



