Gauteng, South Africa – In a bid to combat crime, corruption, vandalism, and lawlessness in the province, the Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, officially launched the registration process for manufacturers of vehicle number plates on Monday, 3 July 2023. The initiative is part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s plan to introduce a secure new number plate system that ensures the legitimacy and quality of number plates while promoting inclusivity and economic growth.
Highlighting the significance of the registration process, MEC Diale-Tlabela acknowledged the challenges that arise from non-compliant number plates, including compromised safety, an increase in vehicle-related crime, and a lack of accountability from manufacturers. To address these issues, the National Road Traffic Act’s Section 5 strictly prohibits manufacturers from engaging in the manufacturing, selling, or distribution of number plates without proper registration.
With the launch of the registration process, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport aims to secure the entire value chain, from manufacturing to distribution. This comprehensive approach ensures that motor vehicle owners can have confidence in the legitimacy and quality of their number plates. Manufacturers are required to submit their applications for scrutiny, guaranteeing accuracy and compliance. Compliance inspectors will diligently inspect the production sites of embossers to ensure adherence to regulations.
Once an application is approved, manufacturers will be required to sign a Service Level Agreement with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and fulfill the necessary payment obligations. This streamlined process establishes a framework that promotes accountability and adherence to industry standards, further enhancing vehicle security in the province.
MEC Diale-Tlabela also emphasized the importance of promoting inclusivity and diversity within the number plate manufacturing value chain. By encouraging the involvement of new entrants, women, youth, and persons living with disabilities, the initiative aims to create opportunities for underrepresented groups and foster economic growth. Additionally, this drive towards inclusivity will equip individuals with the necessary skills and resources to establish their own small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs), empowering them to contribute to the growth of the industry.
The launch of the registration process aligns with the vision set forth in GGT2030, as announced by Premier Panyaza Lesufi during his State-of-the-Province address in February 2023. The province’s commitment to introducing new number plates with tightened security features reflects its dedication to curbing criminal activities and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The enhanced security measures will make it increasingly difficult for criminals to escape justice and engage in acts of criminality.
As Gauteng takes proactive measures to regulate the number plate manufacturing industry, this initiative serves as a significant step towards bolstering vehicle security and establishing accountability within the sector. With the registration process now in place, manufacturers will be required to operate within the bounds of the law, guaranteeing the accuracy and compliance of number plates. This move not only ensures the safety and peace of mind for motor vehicle owners in Gauteng but also creates opportunities for underrepresented groups and fuels economic growth in the region.
