Lesufi set to unveil Gauteng’s tamper-proof number plate system

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela will launch the pilot phase of the province’s highly anticipated tamper-proof number plate system on Thursday, 5 June.

The launch will take place at Johannesburg’s Nasrec Expo Centre.

Is Gauteng’s new number plate system set to launch soon?

The South African previously reported that in December 2022, Lesufi announced plans to roll out new vehicle number plates in the province in 2023 to help fight crime, corruption, vandalism, and lawlessness. He reinforced this commitment during his State of the Province Address in February 2023.

During the launch of the vehicle number plate manufacturers’ registration process in July 2023, Diale-Tlabela emphasized that they recognize the importance of making sure manufacturers and embossers of number plates operate legally.

“Over the years, we have witnessed numerous challenges arising from non-compliant number plates, such as compromised safety, an increase in vehicle-related crime, and a lack of accountability from manufacturers,” she said.

On Tuesday, 3 June, Lesufi posted on X (formerly Twitter) to share details about the upcoming launch.

He explained that fraudulent number plates and undocumented vehicles play a major role in crime across Gauteng, particularly in kidnappings, robberies, and murders, as criminals often use unregistered cars to carry out these acts.

“We are now ready to launch tamper-proof new number plates. A safer GP,” he posted.

FRAUD AND MALADMINISTRATION IN DRIVERS LICENCING TESTING CENTRES

One of the forensic reports, which the Department of Transport commissioned in 2022, dealt with alleged fraud and maladministration at Gauteng Drivers’ Licencing Testing Centres (DLTC).

The findings were as follows:

• Fraudulent optometrist certificates
• Fee dumping (Fee dumping is the practice of applicants with arrears who apply for vehicle license renewal being allowed to proceed and what they owe in arrears is dumped to other accounts, including the accounts of deceased persons).
• Collusion between examiners, applicants and driving schools
• Lifestyle audits – assets not commensurate with salaries