Motorists who applied for a new or renewal driver’s licence card or professional driving permit (PrDP) between October and December last year are being urged to collect them.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), only 42% of the 32 748 driver’s licence cards produced during this time have been collected.
Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula opened the RTMC licensing centres in Midrand and Eco Park last year, in response to the backlog of expired driver’s licences due to COVID-19.
The Driver’s Licence Card Account, which prints the licences, is working around the clock to fast-track production and remains on course to clear the backlog by the end of June.
The RTMC says people can check the status of their application before going to the testing centre to collect it.
This can be done by SMS or online.
Driver’s licence SMS query
For a driver’s licence query, applicants can SMS their ID number to 33214. They will then receive one of the SMSes below:
Application received: The application was received, but has not yet been processed.
Production queue: The card is still being processed and manufactured.
Produced and ready for collection: The card will be ready for collection in 21 days. However, due to the high number of cards being processed, the RTMC advises you to wait 35 days before going to collect.
Problem card: There is a problem with the production of your card. Please return to the testing centre.
For a PrDP application query, SMS your ID number to 44220.
Driver’s licence online query
You can also determine the status of your application for free online.
Visit online.natis.gov.za.
Create a profile and log in.
Click the status of your application on the dashboard.
Those whose licences expired between March and 31 August , who missed the renewal deadline of May, are advised to obtain a temporary driver’s licence when applying for their renewal to remain legally compliant.
While RTMC centres are open Monday to Sunday from 7am to 9pm, members of the public are encouraged to take advantage of shorter queues on Fridays and the weekend.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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