MNQUMA Local Municipality has received a major boost following the approval of its Butterworth Driving and Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) station to issue learner and driver’s licences, which came into operation on February 3.
Speaking on the developments, municipal spokesperson, Loyiso Mpalantshane, said the DLTC was awarded its operating certificate by the EC Department of Transport. “The centre will issue learner and driving licences, licence renewals, public driving permits, payment of fines, and other services. The Butterworth DLTC is situated in Msobomvu Township along the R409 (Centane) and linked to the National Traffic Information Systems (Natis). It uses the latest state-of-the-art technology such as biometric identification, and fingerprints, and is connected to E-Natis,” he said.
A local driving school owner from Ndabakazi, Veliswa Manyenyeza of Othavile Driving School, said it was a struggle as they were forced to travel to Cofimvaba, Komani, and Stutterheim to test their clients. The distances range from 77km to 150km. Manyenyeza, who had been running her driving school since 2009, said the driving school would now save a lot of money.
“We are going to save a lot, not just on petrol but on tyres and wear and tear. I had to collect clients in groups and they would contribute R200 each towards petrol. I also had to arrange for them to be tested on the same day. So this will save a lot of time because the centre is just a stone’s throw away,” she said.
They struggled immensely, she said, as they had to also wake up early to make testing time at the out-of-town testing stations as there were no other options. Manyenyeza said the acquiring of an operating certificate by the municipality could lead to business growth. “For instance, I have to hire a truck when a client tests for Code 11 because I only have a fleet of small cars (sedans). Now that the DLTC is fully operational, I’m considering buying my own truck,” she said.
Bernard Tasana, owner of Success Driving School, said they welcomed the new services at the Butterworth DLTC. “To have a fully operational testing centre is a huge advantage not only for Mnquma but also the whole province will benefit.” Tasana said most of his clientele were students from nearby tertiary institutions such as Walter Sisulu University and King Hintsa TVET College. “They need licences to get jobs, and they will be so happy to have a nearby testing centre. We are praying that it will continue to operate without disruptions for the benefit of our children,” Tasana said.
Abulele Sopili, a driving instructor from Ncuks Driving School in the Butterworth CBD, said more customers would book lessons and this would translate to more income for driving instructors. Mnquma Mayor, Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa, urged the community to rally behind the DLTC and ensure that it was safe from vandalism and other criminal elements.
