​By Botho Male
The Department of Roads and Transport hosted an introductory session for small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) interested in registering as manufacturers of the new vehicle number plates in the province. The registration workshop was held on Wednesday, 17 August 2023. 
This follows Premier Panyaza Lesufi's announcement that the Gauteng Province will soon introduce new vehicle number plates with enhanced security features. The upgrade is a provincial measure to help fight crime by ensuring vehicles are properly identifiable by introducing security features of number plates.
Explaining the importance of number plates, Chief Director: Motor Vehicle, Driver Registration and Licensing Mr Lebelo Maloka stated that "a number plate serves as an identity of a vehicle" and that it is imperative that each vehicle on the road can be traced back and attributed to the correct owner. 
The workshop served to equip SMMEs with information and tools for registration as new number plate manufacturers once the second phase of registration begins. The first phase of registration is running until 30 September 2023.
These sessions also serve to facilitate a conducive and supporting environment for new entrants in the sector. These new targeted businesses include those operated and managed by women, youth, people living with disabilities and people from Townships, Hostels and Informal Settlements (#TISH). The plan is to ensure they are included and stand to benefit from available economic opportunities. 
Addressing the workshop, MEC's spokesperson Mr Lesiba Mpya highlighted the point that "the Department, led by the MEC, is creating an environment of endless opportunity for you".
Production of number plates follows a value chain that includes reflective sheet manufacturers supplying blank plates, to blankers, that binds to the aluminium plate. Blankers then prepare and supply embossers with a blank plate, onto which they emboss the current license mark with sequence (eg. BB00BBGP) for use by the vehicle owner (the end-user). 
It is expected that throughout the value chain, economic opportunities will be unlocked enabling new entrants to enter the sector and thrive. To facilitate this process, the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) has made itself available to assist new suppliers/entrants with both financial and non-financial support. This will be assistance in the form of training, business plan development, mentorship and financial literacy skills.
According to statistics, approximately 8 out of 10 criminal acts involve the use of a vehicle, often affixed with falsified number plates. 
Through the plan, the provincial government will be enabled to account for every vehicle registered in the province. This, it is expected, will bolster crime fighting efforts and enhance tracking by law-enforcement agencies and serve as a deterrent. It is also expected to drastically enhance revenue collection that was lost due to ineffective vehicle identification in traffic fine enforcement.
The Department will, in due course, communicate the commencement date and duration of the second phase of registration of new suppliers.