Latest news with #MECforTransport
The South African
4 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Lesufi to launch Gauteng's tamper-proof number plate system
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. 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. 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 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.
IOL News
28-04-2025
- IOL News
Inadequate funding leaves thousands of KwaZulu-Natal pupils without scholar transport
School children walking to school in KwaZulu-Natal. Despite a budget increase, there are still thousands of school pupils in KZN who do not have access to scholar transport. Picture: Independent Newspapers Archives Despite a budget increase this financial year, thousands of school pupils in KwaZulu-Natal will still have to walk long distances to school due to inadequate funding for their scholar transport. The Department of Transport revealed that it will be able to transport about 77 000 pupils this financial year, while more than 150 000 pupils who need transport remain on the waiting list. While tabling his budget last week, MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma stated that there are ongoing engagements between the provincial and national governments to address this issue. "Our commitment to the Learner Transport Programme is a testament to our dedication to opening the doors of learning. This initiative not only provides practical solutions to transport challenges but also inspires hope for a better future among our learners from underprivileged communities," he said. The MEC noted that the programme consists of 85 contracts spread across eleven districts. The department is finalising new agreements that will commence in July 2025, as the current contracts come to an end in June 2025. He stated that 433 schools will be assisted in the financial year 2025/26 with a total of 77 369 learners. The department has been allocated additional funds of R50 million, R60 million, and R100 million over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to deliver this service. Thus, the budget for 2025/26 amounts to R341.154 million, up from an initial budget of R291.154 million.
