eNatis shows progress

By Siyabonga Africa, ITWeb junior journalist

Johannesburg, 13 Oct 2008

The electronic National Traffic Information System (eNatis) processed more than 875 000 vehicle licensing transactions in September, which represents a month-on-month increase of 14.72% and a year-on-year increase of 18.22%.

Tasima spokesman Phillip van der Merwe says the success of the system shows a major improvement over the manual system previously used at driving licence testing centres. The eNatis contractor believes the system succeeds in reducing human error.

“Scheduling bookings manually is subject to human error, is not wholly effective and presents ample opportunity for fraud and corruption. The new eNatis-linked booking system has proved to be a highly effective and efficient replacement,” says Van der Merwe.

He adds that the system has streamlined the learner and driving licence process, ensured optimal use of available capacity and virtually eliminated a number of corrupt practices, among which is the “selling” of appointments by unscrupulous officials.

More successes

Used vehicle registrations showed a year-on-year increase of 9.25%, while new vehicle registrations dropped by 17.65%. All in all, more than 3.7 million interface transactions and 9.1 million user transactions were performed using eNatis during September. The Johannesburg service centre performed the most transactions, at 762 460.

Van der Merwe explains the significant increase in learner licence authorisations and driving licence card orders can be ascribed to enhanced system functionality. This includes the more effective utilisation of testing resources made possible by the eNatis licence test appointment booking system.

The system was piloted and launched in Witbank, Mpumalanga, last year, and has since been fully rolled out in that province, as well as the Free State. In addition, the system has been implemented in several cities, including Tzaneen, Marble Hall and Helderberg, and will soon be rolled out at Calitzdorp, Beaufort West, Laingsburg and Oudtshoorn.