Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the MEC for Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela will pilot launch the province’s highly anticipated tamper-proof number plate system on Thursday, 5 June.
The launch is set to take place at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
NEW GAUTENG NUMBER PLATE SYSTEM TO BE ROLLED OUT SOON?
The South African previously reported that in December 2022, Lesufi announced the province would roll out new vehicle number plates in 2023 to help combat crime, corruption, vandalism, and lawlessness. He further emphasised this during his State of the Province Address in February 2023.
During the launch of the registration process for manufacturers of vehicle number plates in July 2023, Diale-Tlabela said they understand the importance of ensuring that manufacturers and embossers of number plates operate within the bounds of the law.
“Over the years, we have witnessed numerous challenges arising from non-compliant number plates, such as compromised safety, an increase in vehicle-related crime, and a lack of accountability from manufacturers,” she said.
On Tuesday, 3 June, Lesufi took to X (previously Twitter) to share the details about the launch.
He said fraudulent number plates and cars without proper documentation are at the centre of crime in Gauteng, especially kidnappings, robberies, and murder, as criminals use undocumented cars to commit crimes.
“We are now ready to launch tamper-proof new number plates. A safer GP,” he posted.
FRAUD AND MALADMINISTRATION IN DRIVERS LICENCING TESTING CENTRES
One of the forensic reports, which the Department of Transport commissioned in 2022, dealt with alleged fraud and maladministration at Gauteng Drivers’ Licencing Testing Centres (DLTC).
The findings were as follows:
- Fraudulent optometrist certificates
- Fee dumping (Fee dumping is the practice of applicants with arrears who apply for vehicle license renewal being allowed to proceed and what they owe in arrears is dumped to other accounts, including the accounts of deceased persons).
- Collusion between examiners, applicants and driving schools
- Lifestyle audits – assets not commensurate with salaries
DO YOU THINK THE NEW NUMBER PLATE WOULD HELP REDUCE CRIME IN GAUTENG?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
