After a decade of stop-start construction, the Sebokeng Smart (DLTC) project is finally showing signs of progress. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport said work is continuing despite funding delays and a shortened December shutdown.
The DLTC was launched in 2015 with an initial estimated cost of R63 million. Over the years, however, costs have escalated sharply, with more than R80 million already spent. The Gauteng government is now planning additional funding that could push the total projected cost to well over R200 million.
The Star previously reported that the project had become a symbol of government failure, with more than R9.4 million spent on security alone since 2019, despite the site remaining vandalised, abandoned and unusable. Initially expected to open in 2021, the unfinished facility has forced residents to travel long distances for basic DLTC services, prompting opposition parties to label the spending wasteful and unacceptable.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela’s spokesperson, Lesiba Mpya, said the department continues to make progress on the project, describing it as a strategic infrastructure investment aimed at improving access to modern driver and vehicle testing services in Sedibeng.
“As at the end of December 2025, the project had reached 24% completion against the planned 27%, with progress affected mainly by delayed contractor payments and associated cash flow constraints,” Mpya said.
He added that construction was also impacted by the shortened December shutdown.
“Despite these challenges, key construction milestones were achieved, including the completion of the superstructure of the main DLTC building, completion of surface beds and slabs on the Transport Operating Licensing Administrative Body (TOLAB) and Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) buildings, as well as the installation of steel roof trusses on the VTS building,” he added.
Mpya explained that TOLAB will function as a one-stop service centre for public transport licensing, processing and issuing road operating licences for all transport modes in the region.
MEC Diale-Tlabela reaffirmed the department’s commitment to completing the project.
“The Sebokeng Smart DLTC is a critical investment in restoring public infrastructure and improving access to efficient and dignified services. While challenges have affected the pace of construction, we remain focused on ensuring that this facility is completed for the benefit of the community,” she said.
Diale-Tlabela said that the project continues to contribute to local economic development, with 33 local workers employed in December 2025 and ongoing participation from small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). It has also recorded a 96% health and safety compliance rating, with no incidents reported during the period.
The department said it is addressing contractor cash-flow challenges, programme performance issues and the finalisation of the Eskom electricity connection through intensified stakeholder engagement and improved coordination.
“We are taking decisive steps to stabilise the project and accelerate delivery, while ensuring accountability and value for public funds,” Diale-Tlabela added.
Once completed, the Sebokeng Smart DLTC will operate as a one-stop centre for driver licensing and vehicle testing, significantly improving service delivery for Sebokeng and surrounding communities.
The Star