mits and complaints from drivers.

The DA's Evert du Plessis said the backlog has a significant impact on motorists, many of whom are driving without legal paperwork.

Du Plessis said the backlog impacts on drivers across the province including e-hailing and taxi drivers.

"It is concerning that the department continues to fail motorists by not finding ways to expedite the process of issuing operating permits within the regulated timelines.

"It is also troubling that the department continues to issue more permits while failing to address the backlog, which is holding thousands of motorists at ransom," du Plessis said.

He added that the delay is due to hold-ups in the provincial and local government departments.

"Rather than accepting responsibility for its shortcomings, the department has demonstrated that it is overwhelmed by blaming drivers who are victims in this scenario. The taxi industry alone generates thousands of jobs that support many families.

"Consequently, undermining such an industry due to administrative incompetence is intolerable," du Plessis said.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL

18:T76e,The Democratic Alliance is calling on the Gauteng Department of Transport to shape up its office and address a 40,000 backlog of unissued driver permits. (https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/growing-calls-for-government-to-resolve-operating-permits-backlogs-for-e-hailers-533327f2-4a39-4023-b263-1af49b2a1726) There have been several reports and protests against the Tshwane Metro Police Department's (https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/da-demands-full-disclosure-of-auditor-generals-report-on-driving-license-tender-irregularities-ea92238a-14d4-4e7e-a593-e162a46087c8) (TMPD) decision to impound their vehicles for operating without the necessary permits. Information about the backlog was revealed by the department's portfolio committee following the DA's questions regarding permits and complaints from drivers. The DA's Evert du Plessis said the ba