Latest news with #KediboneDiale-Tlabela
Eyewitness News
12-06-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Gauteng govt to inject additional R138m to complete construction of Sebokeng DLTC
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng government is set to inject an additional R138 million to complete construction of the long-delayed Sebokeng Driver's License Testing Centre (DLTC) in the Vaal. To date, more than R80 million has been spent on the project, yet the facility has remained non-operational a decade since construction began. Despite having a contracted security company in place, the centre has been vandalised. The first thing that catches the eye when glancing at the Sebokeng DLTC is the overgrown grass surrounding the vandalised double-storey building. Inside, piles of rubble have remained untouched for years, and the air is thick with the smell of dust. Although the initial projected cost was R63 million, more than R80 million has already been spent on the construction of the facility. Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said more money would still be needed to complete the construction. "For the financial year 2025/2026, the budget allocation is R54.5 million and R84 million for the financial year 2026/2027." The Development Bank of Southern Africa has now been appointed as the implementing agent.
IOL News
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Gauteng launches innovative number plates to fight crime
Gauteng's new number plates have QR (quick response) codes. Image: Supplied The Gauteng provincial government this week launched a new high-tech, tamper-proof and crime-fighting number plate system to be piloted over the next six months on its fleet before being publicly rolled out. According to the provincial Roads and Transport Department, the new intelligent number plate system represents a giant leap as it is a secure, traceable, and smart solution, incorporating tamper-evident decals, forensic QR (quick response) codes, and a fully digitised back-end portal. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela officially unveiled the new system on Thursday in Johannesburg. The system's features include the ability to drastically improve the credibility of number plates and to enable license plate tracking within the value chain, from manufacturer to the vehicle owner. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'These technological enhancements are designed to combat vehicle theft, fraud, and cloning, while improving road safety and empowering traffic law enforcement across the province,' the department explained this week. For the next six months, the system will be piloted using g-Fleet vehicles affixed with the technologically advanced new number plates as part of the stress testing project before the provincial rollout. 'This system is set to drastically improve the credibility of number plates and to enable license plate tracking within the value chain, from manufacturer to end user (vehicle owner),' stated the department. In addition, it is hoped that the system will also address longstanding challenges in vehicle registration and the law enforcement framework, tackling cloned or fraudulent license plates, lack of interoperability with Southern African Development Community systems, and inadequate data traceability. Lesufi said his administration, assisted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, is now deploying a digital system that ensures the ability to account for every vehicle on the province's roads. He warned that those using fraudulent or duplicate number plates will have no space or time to drive in Gauteng. Diale-Tlabela said the smart number plates will significantly reduce vehicle cloning, trafficking of stolen vehicles, and the use of falsified plates in criminal activities, as well as disrupt criminal networks and improve road safety. The Gauteng provincial legislature's Portfolio Committee on Transport and Logistics welcomed the strategic introduction of the number plates as an intervention towards safer roads.
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- 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.
