​By Noxolo Ntlokwana
IIn his 2023 State of the Province Address, Premier Panyaza Lesufi gave an indication that Gauteng is working to introduce new vehicle numberplates with tightened security features to enhance reliability of the system. This is line with the Province’s elevated priorities of strengthening fight against crime, corruption, vandalism and lawlessness. To this end, the Department has initiated and conducted a series of stakeholder engagements in the Province. 
And on Tuesday, 12 September, it was Tshwane’s turn to introduce the project, identify ways for introduction of new players and participation in the value chain as well as economic opportunities available. Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Ms Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, in July, launched the registration process for manufacturers of vehicle numberplates as a requirement of the National Road Transport Act. As an implementation plan, the Department is convening workshops throughout the province for new players in the sector as well as bringing in the financial institutions to present on various funding options. In his welcoming remarks, Ward 13 Cllr Mabulawa encouraged full participation of all present in the meeting. 
Representing the Department, Director: Registration and Compliance Ms Khesani Tshabalala indicated these sessions are part of Phase One, open to current providers. She added this phase calls on existing number plate manufacturers to submit applications for registration as per the requirements of the National Road Traffic Act. Ms Tshabalala further indicated the window is open until 30 September 2023 and appealed to those present to take advantage and submit their applications. The second phase seeks to include new entrants and a notice will be issued to this effect, she explained. The Department’s #BeLegalCampaign is currently fully underway. 
Project manager Ms Margaret Phalane presented on the legislative framework and fees to be charged in line with Gazette No. 255, volume 18 of 2012. She identified the value chain involved which consists of (1) reflective sheet suppliers – those that produce the reflective sheets; (2) blankers – involved in manufacturing of blanks, equipment/machines in the production and training of embossers; (3) embossers – who emboss and sell numberplates to vehicle owners; and (4) vehicle dealership and vehicle owners – who register vehicles and get numberplates. She added they have an obligation to have a compliant numberplate affixed to the vehicle.
A representative of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Mr Mmolotsane Medupe discussed the technicalities applicable standards and regulations. He explained these include SANS 1116-1:2016 (blank aluminium) and SANS 1116-2:2016 (embossed aluminium) and regulation 35 which looks at the display of SABS certification mark. Mr Medupe further explained Regulation 48 that deals with manufacturers of number plates to register (embossers); Regulation 50 which regulates condition of registration (conformance to SANS 111-62 and SANS 111-64) as well as Regulation 50(4) that deal with the registration of manufactured number plates.
 Stakeholders also raised several issues and requested a workshop to the many questions they have including those related to funding. Both the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) and FNB were not present. The workshop, they reasoned, will also look at issues around the cloning; market rates and costs of production machines; how to deal with illegal traders of number plates by law enforcement agencies; considerations around POPI Act; fee payments; as well as looking at provisions of the Township Economy Bill/Act for adoption. 
Mr Johan Steenkamp, representing blankers, indicated the industry fully supports the Department’s initiative to introduce new entrants into the sector. He, however, highlighted the delays in disclosing the planned security features. The Department is set to continue and schedule a session in the West Rand next.