Online Services to Aid Preparation for Holiday Travels

06 December 2024 – As the festive season approaches, South Africans are gearing up for road trips and holiday celebrations. While this time of year is filled with joy and excitement, the jubilance can easily be marred by lack of preparation, particularly where cross-border travel is concerned.

Even though we live in a digital age, where majority of important data is accessible online, border authorities still require motorists wishing to drive their vehicle into neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Namibia to provide physical copies of the documents required for border crossing.

To help simplify the process, WesBank has migrated documents such as copies of the NaTIS and border letters onto the WesBank Online (WOL) portal and the WesBank mobile app, ensuring secure and convenient access for customers. Settlement letters, statements, tax certificates and copies of vehicle finance contracts are also accessible  on these digital platforms.

“The availability of these documents on our self-service platforms significantly aids preparation for cross-border holiday travel. However, until border authorities accept digital copies, it’s important for travelers to print and carry physical copies of the required documents,” says Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank.

“If the driver is not the registered owner of the vehicle, they will also need to furnish the border authorities with a police affidavit and a letter of authority from the registered owner, granting permission for the vehicle to cross the border. Drivers of rental vehicles need a letter from the rental company giving full consent for the vehicle to be taken out of the country.

“It is also advisable for the driver to contact their insurance company to check that their policy covers cross-border travel,” Gaoaketse adds.

While having the paperwork in order is important, being safety-conscious is equally essential to ensure a memorable holiday this festive season.

Plan ahead!

• Before embarking on a long journey, ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition. Check the brakes, tyres – including the spare wheel tyre, lights, and overall mechanical health.
• Plan your route in advance, considering traffic conditions, road closures, and potential hazards. Navigation apps can be very useful in this regard thanks to their live traffic feeds.
• Ensure that you are well-rested before starting a long trip. Once on the road, take regular breaks and if possible, share the driving with other licenced companions.

Drive Responsibly!

• Adherence to the rules of the road is essential to ensuring the safety of all road users. This means speed limits; traffic signals and road signs should be obeyed at all times.
• Avoid distractions, including the use of mobile phones while driving, even those with hands-free capability.
• Be patient and treat the drive as part of your holiday. This will help you maintain a safe following distance and avoid performing aggressive and dangerous manoeuvres.

Stay sober!

• Remember that South Africa has zero tolerance for drunk driving. So, play it safe. Designate a sober driver to avoid the risks of drunk driving. If it becomes necessary, rather use public transport or e-hailing services.

Additional tips:

• Always wear a seatbelt, and ensure all passengers are buckled up as well.
• Monitor the weather and heed warnings of adverse weather.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season.