A prohibition notice was issued due to major building safety problems. Inspectors discovered cracks in the walls, damaged plumbing and general structural weaknesses.

The building has been declared unsafe for occupation, compelling the department to act in line with legislation that requires the protection of both employees and members of the public.

“The department understands that this situation comes at a difficult time, just before the festive season, when many people need to renew vehicle licence discs before travelling,” said Free state department of community safety, roads and transport spokesperson Hillary Mophethe.

'The building's problems are linked to long-standing budget constraints'

“We acknowledge that any disruption to services may cause frustration and inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise to the public. These building problems are linked to long-standing budget constraints.”

The department has repeatedly raised concerns with the provincial treasury regarding insufficient funding for the maintenance of registration offices. Discussions are ongoing with the provincial treasury to secure funding to repair the Lengau traffic centre and to prevent similar issues at other facilities.

Temporary measures to be implemented

The department is implementing temporary measures to minimise the impact on service delivery, she added. Alternative arrangements will be communicated to the public once they have been finalised.

The safety of staff and members of the public remains the department’s top priority, Mphethe said. The department is engaging with provincial treasury to address the funding challenges and is committed to restoring full services as quickly as possible.

'PSA welcomes closing, as employees and public are at risk'

The Public Servants Association has welcomed the prohibition notice, despite previous contravention notices and clear instructions to remedy identified non-compliance, which were ignored, said the association’s Aubrey Nappie.

“Instead of improvements being effected, conditions at the building deteriorated further, placing employees and members of the public at serious risk. As a result, four prohibition notices were issued, confirming that the workplace is unsafe and that employees may not be permitted to use the premises.

Poor housekeeping and fire hazards posing a health risk 

“The prohibitions relate to the poor housekeeping and fire hazards leading to health risks for employees, serious fire hazards, obstructed emergency exits, and a high risk of injury. Consequently, the employer is prohibited from instructing any person to utilise the Lengau traffic centre premises.”

The notice means entire Lengau traffic centre has been closed, with serious consequences for service delivery to the public who rely on the services provided at this facility, said Nappie.

The Lengau Testing and Traffic Centre in Bloemfontein. Photo: X/@Red_Kaybee

Meanwhile, members of the public are advised to access services that are available at the Post Office. Mophethe confirmed that further updates will be shared as progress is made.

The DA has expressed serious concern over the centre’s closure, says it comes “at the worst possible time”, as thousands of residents prepare to travel during the festive season, when road safety and compliance with traffic regulations are “critical”.

Public advised to use services available at the Post Office

“Ongoing neglect has resulted in a leaking roof and visible cracks in the walls, pointing to a clear failure by the department to prioritise routine maintenance,” said Free State DA roads and transport spokesperson Jafta Mokoena. “As a key centre for revenue collection and service delivery, including driver’s licence testing and motor vehicle transactions, the upkeep of this facility should be treated as a non-negotiable priority.”

The closure has immediate, far-reaching consequences. “Learners who have recently completed their matric examinations are eager to obtain their driver’s licences to access employment and further opportunities,” said Mokoena. “Motorists also need to renew their licences and pay for their vehicles to ensure they are legally compliant on the roads.”

Ensuring that drivers are licensed and vehicles legally registered is a fundamental component of promoting safer roads, he added. “Any disruption to these services places additional strain on road safety efforts and inconveniences law-abiding residents.”

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi