Questions about new number plates in South Africa
Questions about new number plates in South Africa have intensified following the Gauteng Department of Transport’s rollout of the province’s updated vehicle registration plates. Civil rights organisation AfriForum has lodged a formal request for information after the department failed to respond to its Protection of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application within the legally mandated 30 days.
With over three and a half million vehicles in Gauteng affected, the controversy centers on the projected costs, timeline for re-registration, and the effectiveness of the tamper-proof registration system.
AfriForum Seeks Transparency
AfriForum insists that the provincial transport department must disclose Gauteng number plates’ proposed cost and the associated vehicle re-registration expenses. According to AfriForum campaign manager Louis Boshoff, the province plans to produce around seven million new plates for all registered vehicles, yet the financial implications remain undisclosed.
Boshoff has expressed concern that Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s claims about improving road safety with the new plates lack empirical evidence. “As long as criminals can drive without number plates, the design of the plates won’t solve the underlying problems,” Boshoff said. “The solution lies in stronger law enforcement, not new gimmicks.”
Rollout of Gauteng’s New Number Plates
The new number plate scheme has already been implemented on provincial government vehicles, with a full rollout expected for the rest of the province by December 2025. The initiative began after a pilot phase in the 2024/25 financial year.
Premier Lesufi initially announced the plans in February 2023 during his State of the Province Address. He stated that the high-tech plates would assist law enforcement in tracking undocumented vehicles involved in crimes such as kidnappings, robberies, and other serious offenses.
The Premier emphasized that these tamper-proof registration plates would prevent criminals from exploiting the current system, asserting: “Criminals use undocumented cars to commit crimes. We are now ready to launch tamper-proof new number plates.”
Costs and Re-Registration Implications
The cost of the new Gauteng number plates is a major point of debate. Estimates suggest that re-registration with new plates could cost vehicle owners over R1,000, significantly higher than the current registration fee of R216 for standard vehicles. Motor trade plate numbers currently cost R120, while new licence discs add at least R408, plus a R72 administration fee from the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
The new plates also incorporate design and security upgrades, which likely contribute to higher production costs. AfriForum and other critics argue that this may place a heavy financial burden on everyday motorists and fleet operators.
Legal and Administrative Concerns
Critics question the legal basis for mandatory re-registration, noting that the new scheme retains the existing alphanumeric format. The South African Vehicle Rental Leasing and Fleet Management Association (Savral) disputes the Premier’s claim that vehicles must be re-registered if they spend 30 consecutive days in Gauteng, stating that this requirement is not supported by the National Road Traffic Act.
Civil action organisation the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has warned that high costs could prompt fleet operators to register vehicles in other provinces, potentially reducing Gauteng’s revenue. Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage noted: “The new vehicle licence plate scheme is set to force new controls that will come at a price. This may backfire on the province.”
Impact on Motorists
For everyday drivers, the new vehicle re-registration requirements mean visiting licensing offices, updating documentation, and paying higher fees. The Gauteng Transport Department has yet to clarify exactly how long motorists will have to replace old plates, raising concerns about enforcement and compliance.
Some motorists worry about potential delays, particularly in rural areas where access to licensing offices may be limited. Others are concerned about the affordability of the new plates, especially for families and small business owners who operate multiple vehicles.
Road Safety and Tamper-Proof Registration
Premier Lesufi has argued that the updated plates will enhance road safety and reduce vehicle-related crime. The tamper-proof registration plates are designed to be difficult to counterfeit or remove, making it easier for authorities to track vehicles involved in illegal activities.
However, AfriForum and other civil rights advocates remain skeptical. They contend that law enforcement efficiency, not plate design, is the key factor in preventing crime. Without sufficient policing and enforcement measures, the new plates may have limited impact on actual road safety.
Timeline for Full Implementation
The Gauteng Transport Department plans to extend the new number plate scheme province-wide by December 2025. Vehicles currently registered in the province will require re-registration to comply with the updated system. Government vehicles have already transitioned, serving as a test case for broader implementation.
AfriForum’s requests for transparency aim to ensure that citizens are informed about costs, timelines, and enforcement measures well before mandatory compliance is enforced.
Economic and Policy Considerations
The number plate costs and re-registration requirements could have wider economic implications. High costs may disproportionately affect small businesses, private fleets, and lower-income motorists. There is also the risk of revenue loss if fleet operators register vehicles outside Gauteng to avoid the higher expenses.
Policy analysts stress the importance of providing clear, public information on both the financial and operational aspects of the new scheme. Transparency is essential to avoid public backlash and ensure smooth implementation.
Conclusion
Questions about new number plates in South Africa reflect concerns about affordability, transparency, and effectiveness. While the new Gauteng number plates aim to enhance law enforcement capabilities and road safety through tamper-proof registration, many civil rights groups and motorists are demanding clarity on costs, re-registration processes, and legal justification.
Ultimately, the success of the program will depend on balancing security, compliance, and public trust. Transparent communication from the Gauteng Department of Transport and robust law enforcement will be crucial in addressing these ongoing questions and ensuring the new number plate system achieves its intended goals.
Here are five prominent mainstream media outlets from South Africa, along with direct links to their websites:
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News24 – A leading national news platform offering comprehensive coverage across various topics, including politics, business, and entertainment.
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Daily Maverick – An independent online publication known for its in-depth investigative journalism and critical analysis of current affairs.
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IOL (Independent Online) – A major digital news provider delivering breaking news, lifestyle content, and opinion pieces from across South Africa.
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eNCA (eNews Channel Africa) – A 24-hour news channel offering live coverage of national and international events, with a focus on breaking news and in-depth reporting.
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Mail & Guardian – A respected weekly publication that provides investigative journalism, political analysis, and cultural commentary.
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