AfriForum has intensified its calls for clarity on the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s (GDRT) newly introduced vehicle licence plate system, raising concerns about costs, timelines, and the overall effectiveness of the initiative.
Push for Information
The civil rights group filed an internal appeal last week after the department ignored its Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application. AfriForum says motorists deserve to know how much the project will cost and how long it will take before it becomes mandatory.
Louis Boshoff, AfriForum’s campaign officer, criticised the lack of transparency, arguing that such a major roll-out should not proceed without public accountability. “The premier wants to have around seven million new number plates manufactured, but he is not even prepared to disclose how much it will cost – this is unacceptable,” Boshoff said.
The New Number Plate System
Unveiled in June at Nasrec by Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, the new number plates feature tamper-evident decals and forensic QR codes linked to a centralised database. The system is currently being piloted on government vehicles until the end of 2025.
Diale-Tlabela said the initiative aims to curb criminal activity by making it harder to clone plates, traffic stolen vehicles, or use fraudulent registrations. “These smart number plates will significantly reduce vehicle cloning, trafficking of stolen vehicles, and the use of falsified plates in criminal activities,” she said.
Concerns Over Enforcement
Despite the technology’s promise, AfriForum has questioned whether the system will make a difference without stronger enforcement. Boshoff argued that criminals already drive with missing plates and face little consequence. “As long as criminals can get away with driving without number plates on their vehicles, it will make no difference how good the required number plates are. The solution lies in better law enforcement – not new gimmicks,” he said.
In response, departmental spokesperson Lesiba Mpya explained that the pilot phase was crucial for testing and refining the system before costs and full specifications are finalised. He added that the system forms part of an integrated crime-fighting strategy with law enforcement agencies.
Economic and Safety Promises
While police have not provided figures on how many fraudulent plates are currently in circulation, the department has emphasised the broader benefits of the programme. Diale-Tlabela previously stated that the system would open up opportunities for local manufacturers and technology-based businesses.
Mpya added that the tamper-proof plates are part of efforts to improve road safety and remove improperly registered or unregistered vehicles from Gauteng’s roads.
Ongoing Dispute
AfriForum remains unconvinced, insisting that the public must know the financial implications and research behind the project. Until then, the debate over whether the new system is a meaningful safety measure or an expensive misstep is set to continue.
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