Latest news with #KediboneDiale-Tlabela
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Lesufi links vehicles to crime as Gauteng launches new number plate system
The new vehicle registration plate system will feature three letters and three numbers. City of Joburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene (L), Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi (C) and Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela. Picture: X / @GautengProvince Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says the province's current number plate format is running out of combinations, prompting the introduction of a new system designed to enhance crime-fighting efforts. Lesufi, alongside Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, unveiled the new vehicle registration plates at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday. New number plates for Gauteng motorists The new number plates will include several innovative features designed to enhance security and traceability. These plates will be embedded with QR codes and a track-and-trace system for vehicle identification and registration. Additional design elements include the South African national flag and name, as well as a tamper-evident security decal designed to curb counterfeiting. Beyond crime prevention, the plates will also serve a broader range of administrative and economic functions. ALSO READ: These are Gauteng's hotspots for murder, rape, kidnapping, carjacking and house robbery They will support the Gauteng government in collecting revenue and enforcing vehicle roadworthiness and insurance compliance. The data captured through the new system will also contribute to improved planning and policymaking. Furthermore, the initiative will help manage the number plate supply chain, hold manufacturers accountable throughout the value chain, and create economic opportunities by empowering locally based small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs). As part of the rollout, the provincial government has also introduced state-owned vehicles – referred to as the G-fleet – equipped with the new number plates. This marks the start of a six-month pilot project that will precede a full rollout across the province. [WATCH] : The g-Fleet Management vehicles will be affixed with the new number plates as part of the six-month pilot project, before a provincial rollout. The system is expected to strengthen the vehicle registration assist with crime prevention.#GPNewNumberPlates #TacklingG13 — Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) June 5, 2025 Existing format reaching its limit Speaking during the launch at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday, Lesufi said the system is expected to strengthen vehicle registration and assist with crime prevention. '[Whether] you like it or not, 85% of all the crimes that are committed in Gauteng, a motor vehicle is involved. Either it's the getaway, or that car itself is stolen, or the registration of that car is faulty. 'So if we have to fight crime, we have to overhaul the car registration regime,' he said. The premier also highlighted the issue of the province exhausting its available number plate sequences. 'Those that were born in this province, they know we are used to having a yellow number plate that ends with T [which stood for] Transvaal. READ MORE: Arrested kingpins and service delivery: Lesufi lists Gauteng successes 'We migrated to GP [Gauteng Province]. It was three alphabets and three numbers, then GP, [but] we ran out of that. 'We went to the current one, which is two alphabets, [two] numbers and [two more] alphabets. We are running out of that. 'So we said, let's take advantage of this migration and create a completely new digital system that can be accountable.' Under the new system, vehicle registration plates will consist of three letters followed by three numbers before the 'GP' designation. The current number plate series is reportedly set to remain in use until all combinations are exhausted, which is expected to occur around 2038.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Gautrain launches 50% fare discount with new KlevaMova offer
Travelling on the Gautrain has become more affordable for many in Gauteng, thanks to a new discounted fare initiative called KlevaMova. Launched by the Gautrain Management Agency and the provincial Department of Roads and Transport, the product offers a substantial 50% discount on train fares to a wide range of qualifying passengers. The discount is available to individuals living in households with a combined annual income of R350 000 or less, students under the age of 25, learners, pensioners, and recipients of Sassas's disability grant. The discounted tickets are available as weekly, monthly, and return trip products. Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela described the initiative as a vital step in making public transport more accessible to vulnerable groups. 'The high cost of travel continues to be a burden, especially for those living on the outskirts of economic centres,' she said. 'By reducing fares, we aim to ease the financial pressure on households and improve access to work and study opportunities.' Also read: Young swimmer makes it to six finals, clinches bronze, at South African Junior Nationals Figures from the Gauteng Household Travel Survey highlighted the issue. Nearly 60% of households were spending more than 10% of their income on public transport in 2019/20, a notable increase from 55% in 2014. Diale-Tlabela also called on employers to promote KlevaMova among qualifying staff. 'We want to see a more inclusive ridership on the Gautrain. This is about creating equity in mobility.' To benefit from KlevaMova, individuals must apply by submitting supporting documentation. Applications are subject to verification before approval. Also read: Diverse sectors meet future talent at The IIE's Varsity College Sandton career fair The initiative is complemented by a major reduction in parking fees. From April 1 to July 31 2025, all Gautrain users can park at any station for just R1 per day, making the service even more appealing to those who drive to stations. This latest move aligns with the province's long-term Integrated Transport Master Plan, which places passenger rail at the centre of efforts to reduce road congestion, accidents, and emissions. Read more: Kew residents fill pothole despite Joburg Roads Agency's promise More details about KlevaMova and how to apply are available at via the toll-free number 0800 428 87246 (0800 GAUTRAIN), or at Gautrain stations (excluding OR Tambo) between 08:00 and 17:00 from Monday to Saturday. With KlevaMova now available, public transport in Gauteng may finally become a viable and cost-effective option for many more residents. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
23-05-2025
- The South African
Gauteng MEC calls for an end to taxi violence amid rising tensions
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has strongly condemned the recent spike in taxi-related violence in the province, warning that it endangers lives and undermines efforts to create a secure public transport system. Despite peace pledges from industry leaders, deadly clashes between rival taxi associations continue to erupt across the region. In recent weeks, several violent incidents, including fatal shootings of taxi drivers and marshals, have disrupted services and spread fear among commuters and operators. Diale-Tlabela pointed to ongoing route disputes as the root cause, stating that this bloodshed, connected to conflicts over routes between competing taxi associations, has created an environment of fear and insecurity for passengers, operators, and innocent people. She expressed disappointment in the failure of taxi industry leaders to uphold their commitments to peace. 'These acts of violence in the taxi industry are not only criminal but also a direct betrayal of the commitments made by the taxi industry leadership to uphold peace and prioritise the safety of commuters and communities,' the MEC said. The provincial government has intensified engagements with key industry stakeholders, including the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO). These talks have resulted in the formation of a Conflict Resolution Committee aimed at addressing disputes through dialogue and mediation rather than violence. Diale-Tlabela made it clear that the government expects accountability. 'We call upon the leadership of taxi associations to honour their pledges, take responsibility, and assist in identifying those who continue to bring the industry into disrepute,' she said. 'Peace, discipline, and accountability must be the cornerstones of the taxi industry.' Warning of legal consequences, the MEC stressed that authorities would not hesitate to take action against those fuelling the violence. 'The safety of our citizens and the stability of public transport cannot be compromised. We urge all affected stakeholders to recommit to a peaceful and stable environment.' 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.
The South African
07-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Gautrain slashes ticket
In a move to make public transport more affordable and inclusive, the Gautrain has launched a new initiative called KlevaMova, offering 50% fare discounts to qualifying passengers and parking for just R1 a day at Gautrain stations. The discount is available to individuals in households with a combined annual income of R350 000 or less, as well as students under 25, schoolchildren, pensioners, and recipients of the SASSA disability grant. Announcing the initiative on Tuesday, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said KlevaMova is part of broader efforts to ensure cost is not a barrier to accessing reliable and efficient public transport in Gauteng. 'KlevaMova forms part of government's efforts to make the Gautrain more accessible to a large share of the population in Gauteng, attract a diverse range of passengers across income groups, and ensure that cost is not a barrier,' said Diale-Tlabela. The programme addresses a major concern highlighted by the Gauteng Household Travel Survey, which found that nearly 60% of households spend over 10% of their income on public transport, especially those living far from urban centres due to apartheid-era spatial planning. The KlevaMova discount applies to Weekly, Monthly, and Return trip tickets for the Gautrain train service only. Interested commuters must apply and submit supporting documents for verification to qualify. For more information, applicants can: Call the Gautrain toll-free number: 0800 428 87246 (0800 GAUTRAIN) number: Visit Go to any Gautrain station (excluding OR Tambo) Monday to Saturday, 08:00-17:00 In addition to fare discounts, Gautrain has slashed parking fees to just R1 a day for all passengers who ride the train, valid from 1 April to 31 July 2025. 'Affordable and accessible public transport is crucial for reducing the cost of living and improving access to opportunities,' said Diale-Tlabela. 'The initiative also supports our 25-Year Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25), which positions rail as the backbone of a modern, efficient, and low-carbon transport system.' Gautrain hopes the initiative will ease commute-related stress, reduce road congestion, and promote greater economic inclusion and environmental sustainability across 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.
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Gautrain is offering 50% discount to these eligible passengers
Passengers wanting to access their Gautrain discount must prove that they meet the income threshold and other criteria. Gautrain is attempting to make its services more accessible to the residents of Gauteng. The commuter train service launched a new product for qualifying groups that drastically reduces burdensome transport costs. Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela praised the move, saying Gautrain would now be accessible to a diverse range of income groups. KlevaMova discount available The KlevaMova offering allows Gautrain passengers to apply for a 50% discount on their weekly, monthly and return trips. To qualify, Gautrain users must prove that they are living in households with a combined annual income of R350 000 or less. Other automatic discount recipients are South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant recipients, students under 25, school children and pensioners. Those wishing to access their discount must pass through an approval and verification process by submitting the requested documentation. Inquiries about the discount can be made telephonically, toll-free, on 0800 428 87246 between 5:30am. and 8pm. Alternatively, passengers can inquire at any station, excluding OR Tambo International, or on the KlevaMova site. Transport costs prohibitive The discount aims to remove the prohibitive costs of transport, which the government has identified as a driver of inequality. MEC Diale-Tlabela said the Gauteng Household Travel Survey showed that roughly 60% of households spent more than 10% of their income on transport expenses. 'The cost of transport remains one of the highest cost items for many households, particularly for households located on the periphery of cities, far from economic hubs,' stated the MEC. 'Affordable and accessible public transport is crucial for reducing the cost of living for many South Africans, as it significantly impacts household budgets and access to opportunities,' she added. Rail transport is a key objective of Gauteng's 25-year transport master plan, which aims to streamline mobility within the province. 'Taking more people off the roads will indeed bring numerous benefits, including less road congestion, road accidents, and harmful carbon dioxide emissions,' the MEC concluded. NOW READ: R400 million spent on repairing single Gauteng Metrorail route
