eNaTIS - eNuff?

Yesterday, 'Outlook' informed me that the entry "Transfer Title Holder" was four weeks overdue, so I sprang into action.

Now a visit to the Traffic Department is not to be taken lightly. Go first thing in the morning, before they open, and you're likely to stand outside for an hour, in line with all the other people getting in early to avoid the rush. In the afternoon, you'll hit the rush of people using their lunch hour to do the deed, then later you'll confront those trying to beat the day's closing time. So you have to time it with military precision to get in when the early morning's rush has subsided and before the lunchtime rush begins. Theoretically. I think.

Well, I got it right. I filled in whatever forms I could at home, confidently entered the date, gathered all necessary evidence, double-checked everything, made sure I had my chequebook and Book of Life, then hit the road. I arrived at the Sandton Traffic Department at about 11:00 am and just KNEW how clever I was! There was ample parking available, even one under a tree! I marched up to the entrance, cautiously gleeful, subconsciously wondering why so many people were sitting around listlessly outside. The gate was locked. An A4 sign said very simply: "These offices are closed until further notice."

Listless eyes suddenly came to light at the entertainment of yet another confused face walking in semi-circles and reading the sign again and again, hoping it would somehow change.

"Do you know anything about this?" I asked one of the grinning faces.
He nodded happily. "Closed!"
"Any idea why, or for how long?"
"No. It's been closed for a week already."

I approached a lady and a couple of gentlemen selling chips, sweets and passport photos. After all, they were stationed there, so they would know.
"The computer," one of the men nodded sagely. "One of the links is missing. They've been down for a week now, but they were going to open again yesterday." He shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine," he said sympathetically.
The lady added: "Motor mechanics doing a heart transplant ....better phone before you try again."

To my surprise and delight, all was revealed on the evening news! The National Traffic Department was cutting over to a new system. Haven't we all experienced the frustrations that go with that necessary event? But all was well, we were assured, and the System was up and running! "So get yourselves down to your Traffic Office tomorrow," we were exhorted. I did. At about 10:00. Sandton Traffic office was still "Closed until futher notice."

I had a look at their website, though. Could be good once they get it all running smoothly. If you're interested, you can find it at www.enatis.com (eNaTIS = (South African) National Traffic Information System) Now you know.