IDEMIA ‘not blacklisted’, says Transport Department of company working on smart driving licences
The Department of Transport has defended its decision to partner with IDEMIA, a French technology firm, for the new smart driving license cards.
The Transport Department approved IDEMIA's appointment in August.
The company hit the headlines following allegations of wrongdoing during its work to install biometric and digital identity technology at the country’s airports.
Airport Company South Africa awarded IDEMIA a R115 million contract - which has since been terminated.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has called on the department to pause the appointment of IDEMIA until the conclusion of court proceedings.
However, the Transport Department's spokesperson, Collen Msibi, said IDEMIA is not blacklisted.
"We checked that the people we are dealing with are not blacklisted anywhere. Therefore, there is nothing that prevents us from doing business with those people. Secondly, we are moving on the notion of innocent until proven guilty, so we are aware of this matter, but it is between them and ACSA.
"We will be watching the case closely, but it has no bearing, so we are quite satisfied with the process. We cannot put the appointment on hold because there is nothing on our side that requires us to put the issue on hold.”
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