Thousands of motorists could soon be able to collect their driver’s licence cards following a delay of almost one month.

The company that manufactures the cards has been refusing to release them due to outstanding payments.

Prodiba, based in Pretoria, claims that various municipalities have not been paying their fees. The company was awarded a tender to produce licence cards more than a decade ago.

A senior traffic official told Eyewitness News he had been making excuses to irate motorists for almost a month, while another senior official said Prodiba has been holding traffic departments at ransom by refusing to release the cards.

Western Cape Transport spokesperson Solly Malatsi acknowledged the debt and added that many departments would have to wait a while longer to get their cards.

“It’s quite a substantial figure, hence Prodiba is holding up the cards,” said Malatsi.

Prodiba has declined to comment on the matter.

Durban businessman and convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik used to own one third of the company.