Transport News
Licence plate body accuses SABS of enabling industry misconduct amid ongoing corruption probe
Yet another grievance has emerged against the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), this time by the Licence Plate Association of South Africa (Laza), which has actually alleged a series of systemic regulatory failures and inconsistent enforcement by the SABS in the number plate production and embossing market. A comprehensive breakdown of the complaints and evidence supplied by Laza, which has actually been seen by Engineering News, outlines a pattern of alleged noncompliance, monopolistic practices, and a breakdown in oversight systems vital to the stability of vehicle identification systems in South Africa.
Jeep, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen and Volvo recall various vehicle models
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced that numerous Jeep, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen (VW) and Volvo lorry designs have actually been remembered. Stellantis South Africa notified the NCC that it is recalling the Jeep-Wrangler and Jeep-Wrangler Chrysler 300c models owing to a problem in the Takata air bag.
EVs to make up about 25% of global car sales in 2025 – IEA report
Following another year of robust growth, global sales of electrical cars and trucks are on track to surpass 20-million this year, representing over a quarter of vehicles offered worldwide, according to the brand-new edition of the International Energy Agency’s (IEA’s) annual ‘Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Outlook’. The report, published on May 14, reveals that, despite current financial headwinds that have actually put pressure on the automobile sector, global EV sales have actually continued to break records as electric models end up being significantly budget-friendly.
Transport sector faces major BBBEE overhaul with tougher compliance rules
The integrated transportation sector is set to face some of the most strict broad-based black financial empowerment (BBBEE) requirements in the country, following proposals unveiled by Integrated Transport Sector BBBEE Charter Council chairperson Kgomotso Selokane on May 16. Speaking during an address at a transport sector engagement session on the draft Transformation Fund concept paper, in Midrand, she revealed that the council had actually settled a significant modification of the sector’s transformation codes, setting higher limits and getting rid of mechanisms formerly used by companies to preserve compliance.
Fuel levy hike to place heavier burden on South African consumers – RFA
Transport will become more expensive and consumers will pay more after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on May 21 announced a 4% increase in the fuel levy, of 16c/ℓ for petrol and 15c/ℓ for diesel. This will be directly felt by consumers, as transporters cannot absorb increases without detrimental effects on their bottom-line, impacting on their business sustainability, says industry organisation the Road Freight Association (RFA) CEO Gavin Kelly.
RFA commemorates 50 years
Industry organisation the Road Freight Association (RFA) held its yearly Convention from May 23 to 25, in KwaZulu-Natal, a forum for industry discussion and strategic planning and to commemorate the Association’s 50 years of service to its members and the broader South African economy. Since its inception in 1975 as the Public Hauliers Association, evolving into the RFA in 1989, the organisation has been involved in shaping policy, bolstering industry standards and providing support to its members.
Progress on Bayhead road upgrade enhances port access
State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has reported that the Bayhead road rehabilitation project – a strategic infrastructure initiative at the Port of Durban – continues to progress on schedule, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance port access and improve road safety. Since its start in June, the TNPA says, the project has advanced “seamlessly” from Phase 1 into Phase 2, with construction activities proceeding efficiently with minimal disruption to port logistics operations.
Gauteng to roll out digital twin and tamper-proof vehicle licence plates
Gauteng will present a new digital vehicle licence plate system that will track each numberplate from manufacture to fitting and will consist of information of the owner and vehicle while the numberplates themselves have a series of tamper-proof functions. The goal is to ensure transparency throughout the worth chain and to guarantee that law enforcement officials can use the numberplates to track and trace vehicles to figure out whether the plates have been truly issued, said Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) command and control and integrative systems research study group leader Dr Sihle Sibiya during the launch and presentation on June 5.
Sanral engages SMMEs ahead of R500m Free State road upgrades
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has shared what its R500-million investment on Free State roads will entail over the next year. Having started with projects in the province in April, Sanral’s investment in road construction and maintenance will go a long way in bringing much-needed job opportunities for small businesses and local community members in Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein, Jagersfontein and Trompsburg, where various projects are under way.
Transport sector shows signs of stabilisation amid ongoing structural challenges – index
After declining for 8 consecutive months to reach a revised index level of 113.5 in January, the most affordable level given that December 2022, the Ctrack Transport and Freight Index (TFI) increased in each of the 3 months to April to reach an index level of 115.4. The latest edition of the quarterly TFI was compiled in partnership with independent economist Elize Kruger.
Rehabilitation works on Golden Highway resume after protest action
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has welcomed its specialist LoneRock Construction resuming rehab works along the Golden Highway, or R553, after demonstration action led to a temporary blockage recently. LoneRock Construction, as a primary contractor on the task, has responded positively to specific needs made by little- and medium-sized business, with engagements being ongoing.
Stabilisation in freight system, but no ‘kumbaya moment’ yet
South Africa’s efforts to restore its logistics infrastructure have seen it stabilise the system, but not yet execute a big leap forward. This was the consensus among members of a panel speaking on the topic at the SAPICS 2025 conference held in Cape Town last week.
JRA to invest R2.8bn on the city’s roads over the next three years
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has reported a substantial milestone in the city’s commitment to robust infrastructure development, validating a capital injection of R2.8-billion over the next three financial years. The agency keeps in mind that this substantial allowance, as detailed in the City of Johannesburg’s 2025 Budget Speech, highlights a devoted focus on improving and modernising crucial roadway, stormwater and bridge infrastructure to improve movement, and safety, as well as foster sustainable urban development.
Auto sector facing decline as SA’s infrastructure decay comes home to roost – Barnes
The fundamental difficulty many lorry assembly operations in South Africa presently face is that their operations are ending up being less essential to the success of their moms and dad business. This is linked to competitiveness obstacles in South Africa, states African Industrialisation Services director and Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) associate teacher Justin Barnes.
Transnet Engineering sets R1bn turnover goal for burgeoning maritime division
Transnet operating department Transnet Engineering (TE) aims for its relatively brand-new maritime organization to reach R1-billion in turnover in the next 8 to 10 years, says TE manufacturing and ports GM Tshwanelo Tswai. To date, the three-year-old business has actually expanded rapidly, with present turnover at approximately R300-million, and with the target for this financial year set at R550-million.
Govt, private sector must collaborate on EV infrastructure missing from Transport budget – CHARGE
It is time to open meaningful collaboration between government and the economic sector to scale up electrical automobile (EV) charging facilities to benefit all South Africans, sustainable EV charging business Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) says. The business has invited Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s strategic and continued focus on constructing a resilient transport system, however notes that concrete plans and timelines for such infrastructure were missing from the Department of Transport’s (DoT’s) 2025 budget plan vote.
TRAC concession kicks off almost a billion rand in construction work in July
Trans African Concessions (TRAC) this month kicks off approximately R1-billion in upgrade and rehabilitation deal with the N4. The N4 toll path is a build-operate-transfer roadway, and has to do with 570 km long. TRAC has a 30-year concession with the South African and Mozambican nationwide roads companies to establish, manage and preserve the roadway.
Creecy reveals targets, highlights progress on transport sector turnaround In this video, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy outlines the six targets for the turnaround of the transport sector over the next few years.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has outlined six targets that will guide the Department of Transport’s (DoT’s) work over the next few years to transform the passenger, freight, and aviation sectors. Speaking at the 2025 Southern African Transport Conference, hosted at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, in Pretoria, on July 7, she said the first target was to ensure that, by 2029, 250-million tonnes a year of freight were carried on the Transnet network.
JDA to undertake 12-month review of Sandton transport master plan, as Rea Vaya construction …
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) will, on behalf of the City of Johannesburg’s Transport Department, upgrade and undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the Sandton Integrated Transport Master Plan, which was adopted in 2013. The 12-month review intends to evaluate development made because the strategy’s initial adoption and align tactical transportation preparation with Sandton’s progressing city landscape.
Joburg testing technology to combat traffic light theft, vandalism
The City of Johannesburg’s Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is releasing brand-new services to combat theft and vandalism of traffic signals, says JRA mobility and freight head Sipho Nhlapo. The JRA is testing different technological options and will decide on a solution that will be gradually rolled out across the city, he included during a media tour on July 14.