Mpumalanga’s Nelspruit
By Natalie Naidoo
The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety has announced that vehicle licensing and registration services at the Nelspruit Testing Station in Mbombela will be unavailable from Monday, 14 July 2025, to Friday, 18 July 2025, due to essential refurbishment work aimed at upgrading the facility. This short-term disruption is part of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and service quality, with motorists encouraged to use nearby alternatives to avoid delays in vehicle-related matters.
Reasons Behind the Temporary Closure
The closure stems from necessary refurbishment activities at the Nelspruit Testing Station, also known as the Mbombela testing centre, which handles a high volume of daily transactions for vehicle owners in the region. Officials have described the work as vital for maintaining modern standards, including improvements to buildings, equipment, and systems that support efficient operations. While specific details on the scope—such as electrical upgrades, structural repairs, or technology enhancements—have not been fully outlined, the department emphasised that these changes will ultimately benefit users by creating a safer and more reliable environment for testing and licensing.
This is not the first time Mpumalanga residents have faced interruptions in licensing services. Earlier in March 2025, all Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) and abnormal load offices across the province were shut down temporarily due to widespread system glitches and operational challenges, affecting thousands of motorists and leading to backlogs in renewals and registrations. That incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the province’s transport infrastructure, prompting calls for better maintenance and digital upgrades. The current refurbishment at Nelspruit appears to address similar long-term needs, ensuring the station can handle growing demand from a population that relies heavily on personal vehicles for work, school, and daily errands in this bustling Lowveld area.
The Nelspruit facility is one of the busiest in Mpumalanga, serving not only local residents but also those from surrounding rural areas and tourists exploring attractions like Kruger National Park. It processes everything from roadworthy certificates and vehicle inspections to driver’s licence tests and number plate issuances. Disruptions like this can ripple through the community, but the department has assured that the work is scheduled during a relatively quiet period to minimise impact.
Alternative Options for Motorists During the Closure
To ease the inconvenience, the department has directed vehicle owners to nearby testing stations for core services such as vehicle registrations, roadworthy tests, and inspections. The recommended alternatives include:
White River Testing Station: Located about 30 kilometres from Mbombela, this centre offers full vehicle testing and licensing services. It’s easily accessible via the R40 road and operates during standard business hours, making it a convenient choice for those in the western parts of the city.
Barberton Testing Station: Situated roughly 45 kilometres southeast of Mbombela, this facility handles similar services and is ideal for residents in the southern Lowveld. Motorists should plan for slightly longer travel times but can expect shorter queues during this period.
For licence disc renewals, which do not require physical vehicle inspections, options are more widespread and include:
Hazyview Post Office: A quick and straightforward spot for renewals, especially for those in the eastern regions near Kruger Gate.
Nelspruit Post Office in Mbombela: Centrally located, this remains open for disc renewals without interruption.
City of Mbombela Offices at the Grove Shopping Centre: This urban hub provides easy access for shoppers and workers, with dedicated counters to speed up the process.
These alternatives are equipped to handle the expected influx, but motorists are advised to arrive early, carry all necessary documents—like ID, proof of address, and vehicle papers—and check for any updates via the department’s website or social media. Online services through the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) may also be available for some renewals, reducing the need for in-person visits altogether.
Department Apologises and Urges Cooperation
Mpumalanga Community Safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi addressed the public during the announcement, expressing regret for the disruption while stressing the importance of the upgrades. “We urge members of the public to make use of the alternative centres available during this short disruption,” said Mmusi. He added that the department appreciates residents’ patience and understanding, noting that such maintenance is crucial for long-term efficiency and safety compliance.
The apology comes amid broader efforts to improve public trust in transport services, which have faced scrutiny over issues like fraud and inefficiencies in the past. For instance, national investigations have uncovered fraudulent practices at some testing stations, leading to closures and deregistrations elsewhere in South Africa, though no such allegations are linked to this refurbishment. In Mpumalanga, the focus remains on proactive improvements to prevent future problems.
Expected Resumption and Long-Term Benefits
Services at the Nelspruit Testing Station are set to resume fully on Monday, 21 July 2025, allowing the weekend for final checks and testing of the refurbished systems. Once reopened, users can expect smoother operations, potentially including faster processing times and better facilities for waiting areas and inspections.
In the bigger picture, this closure underscores the need for ongoing investment in Mpumalanga’s infrastructure. The province, known for its scenic routes and heavy reliance on road transport for tourism and agriculture, sees millions of vehicle kilometres travelled annually. Upgrades like these help ensure compliance with the National Road Traffic Act, reducing accident risks from unroadworthy vehicles and supporting economic activities such as freight hauling and eco-tourism.
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