NATIONAL NEWS - Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the rating was confirmed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) last month, reaffirming the strength and maturity of South Africa’s aviation safety oversight system.
“This outcome from the United Nations’ specialised agency for international aviation safety and security affirms once again the strength and maturity of the country’s aviation safety oversight system,” Creecy said on Thursday in Midrand.
She was speaking at the launch of Transport Month, which is being held under the theme “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system”.
This year marks the 21st anniversary of Transport Month, which was first launched in October 2005.
Transport sector to get digital authority
Creecy also announced plans to establish a Transport Digital Authority as government responds to rapid advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence that are reshaping transport systems and regulatory processes.
The immediate priorities include launching online registration for e-hailing vehicle owners and drivers from November, digitising Flight Operator Permits by December and accelerating the rollout of a new online licensing system.
The licensing system is intended to help clear renewal backlogs affecting taxi operators while supporting provincial regulatory authorities.
“Across the world, the rapid development of digital technology and artificial intelligence is changing transport ecosystems and regulatory processes,” Creecy said.
“To catch up with the times, the Department of Transport and its entities have taken a decision to establish a Transport Digital Authority with the aim of developing an integrated digital transport platform for all online permitting services through one citizen interface.”
Major road projects to drive jobs and growth
Creecy also highlighted the role of the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) in investing in public infrastructure, describing major road projects as important catalysts for job creation and economic development.
Through SANRAL, government plans to undertake several large-scale projects aimed at improving road safety, reducing travel distances, creating more than 35 000 jobs and supporting more than 2 000 small enterprises.
Major projects include:
- Upgrading the 160km Moloto Road corridor, linking Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
- Upgrading the N2 at Piet Retief in Mpumalanga, improving connections with northern KwaZulu-Natal and Richards Bay.
- Resurfacing, drainage improvements and road widening on the R52 between Koster and the N4 near Rustenburg in North West.
- Constructing a new northbound carriageway and upgrading Section 16 of the N1 between Zandkraal and Scottland in the Free State, increasing capacity and reducing delays.
- Ongoing improvements to the N2 in the Eastern Cape.
- Improving flood resilience on the R37 and R40 between Mpumalanga and Limpopo through stabilised embankments, reinforced drainage and flood-resistant resurfacing.
SANRAL has committed more than R260 million to repairing and climate-proofing roads damaged in this year’s Mpumalanga floods.
Creecy said SANRAL would also change its approach to routine road-maintenance tenders following recent court cases.
“SANRAL will end pre-selected panels for routine road-maintenance tenders and return to open, route-by-route tendering to widen participation and competition,” she said.
The open tendering system will be supported by procurement reforms, revised supply-chain procedures, updated committee terms of reference, and mandatory templates and checklists.
“SANRAL has strengthened governance by adding independent specialists to its Audit and Risk, Loss Control, and Road Infrastructure and Projects committees,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
