– Steve Tshwete municipality has joined several other municipalities in the province where the Department of Community Safety, Security, and Liaison (DCSSL) has revoked their licensing functions.
Licensing services ceased at the municipality on Monday, July 1, 2024, and resumed on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, now under provincial management.
“The municipality failed to process payments owed to the department,” explained DCSSL spokesperson Moeti Mmusi in an interview with the paper.
Mmusi added that the department has previously taken over licensing functions at numerous municipalities in the province. “This action is necessary because most municipalities in the province have failed to honor the service level agreements they entered into with the department.”
He mentioned other municipalities where the department has taken over licensing functions, including Mkhondo, Nkomazi, Mbombela, Chief Albert Luthuli, and Msuka Ligwa. Emalahleni, situated next to Steve Tshwete, also had its licensing functions taken over effective from June 1.
Negotiations are ongoing to transfer such functions to municipalities like Bushbuckridge, Pixley ka Seme, Dipaleseng, and Thembisile Hani, Mmusi disclosed. “The department decided to take over these services at municipalities to streamline license revenue collection,” he added.
He further explained that the takeover includes the transfer of staff. “Employees willing to be transferred to the department are engaged during the takeover, including consultations with trade unions and municipal workers,” he said.
Mmusi concluded that the takeover does not absolve motorists from paying outstanding fines. “Motorists are still required to settle those traffic fines with the department,” he emphasized.
