Now, I'm usually not one inclined to complain about the traffic department. I think the system is inefficient and that there should be improvements, but getting my booking proved to be a lot less painful then I expected and I was happy to say that it finally looks like they're getting on their feet.

I was wrong.

I get to Randburg testing station this morning, a little nervous, but fine because all my parking practice had gone perfectly and I was 100% ready to do the test. I sit and I wait to be called. They leave me waiting for 45 minutes before a man comes in and calls me over. He points at my learner's licence and says, "We can't do the test today because your learner's licence was not signed by the traffic department when they issued it." O_o Excuse me?

So, can you sign it and test me?

"No, it wasn't done in our jurisdiction. You'll have to go to Bedfordview and get it signed." O_o Excuse me?

Well, when is the test deferred to? Tomorrow, the next day?

"You'll have to phone the call centre and book through them again." EXCUSE ME?

"You don't have to pay..." Well, thank you very much... I'M LEAVING THE COUNTRY IN A WEEK AND THIS IS YOUR FAULT!

I get to Bedfordview, which is just closing at three o'clock and get in (just), get my licence signed and try speaking to the man about booking A.S.A.P.

"It's not my problem..." You want to die, don't you? So, I gracefully bow out. There's nothing he can do, so I call the call centre. I explain very nicely that I need to do it this week because I'm leaving the country next week. "Would you like to be on a waiting list for the next two months?" O_o Ok, sure. That's fine.

Now we wait.

When will death come? I'm so annoyed I cannot even express. I was seething! They wonder why people drive without their licences? Why people BUY licences? Why people bribe traffic officials to get their licences? I cannot begin to tell you how angry I am right now.

In other news, Jacob Zuma is probably going to be the next president and, if not, it's likely that Thabo Mbeki might get a third term meaning that he bares a striking resemblance to Robert Mugabe. Woot! Bring on the next crisis this country wants to throw at me... Usually I love South Africa and I'm proud of our heritage and moral standing. But right now? Not impressed.