Are Gauteng’s New Number Plates About Safety or Just More Revenue?

Critics say the province is missing the point while targeting drivers’ wallets

Gauteng has launched a sleek new pilot for “smart” number plates. But instead of applause, the announcement landed with a thud and a storm of criticism.

These high-tech plates, rolled out on 5 June 2025, include QR codes and security decals meant to clamp down on plate cloning and fraud. At face value, it seems like a step toward modernising traffic enforcement and preventing crime. But many, including civil watchdog Outa and industry experts, are calling foul suggesting the province is more interested in squeezing revenue out of citizens than solving real problems on the road.

Smart plates, dumb priorities?

Let’s break it down: yes, scannable QR codes and tamper-evident stickers could make it harder for criminals to fake plates. But according to Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage, the true issue is enforcement or lack thereof.

“Thousands of vehicles are already driving around without any plates at all,” Duvenage points out. “No matter how smart the new plates are, they mean nothing if police aren’t catching offenders.”

His concern echoes that of Driving.co.za managing director Rob Handfield-Jones, who says traffic officers already have tools like the e-Natis system to verify a vehicle’s identity. The real problem? Officers often don’t have data connectivity where it matters — on the roadside. That makes the flashy new tech redundant.

“Rather than reinventing the number plate,” says Handfield-Jones, “why not give every traffic officer a mobile device with real-time access to registration data?”

A system riddled with unresolved issues

It’s not just about the concept there’s troubling history too. According to Duvenage, the current licence plate industry has long suffered from illegal practices that have never been properly addressed.

From alleged collusion between manufacturers to dealerships printing plates unlawfully, the existing system is already compromised. So how will a new tech-based plate magically fix that?

“If the authorities can’t stop dodgy printing now, why should we believe the new system will be secure?” Duvenage asks.

The price of progress or just another tax?

One of the biggest concerns is cost and here’s where things get murky. At the official launch, Gauteng’s Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela dodged every question about pricing. Her response? “Don’t ask me about the price, just go and do it.”

It didn’t go down well.

Motorists are worried the plates could cost far more than the current ones, especially since it’s unclear if they’ll need entirely new registration numbers which could mean more admin, more fees, and major inconvenience.

Duvenage calls the idea of mandatory re-registration “ludicrous” and says it would be more reasonable to start with new vehicles and ownership transfers, phasing the system in slowly.

Revenue or reform? Gauteng’s real motive questioned

The real kicker? Many suspect that all this has little to do with safety and everything to do with making money.

South African municipalities have long been accused of abusing traffic fines as a cash cow. Critics say the number plate scheme fits the same mold.

“There’s no clear added value here,” Handfield-Jones argues. “It’s fair to assume this is just a revenue strategy wearing a high-tech mask.”

And if that’s true, says Duvenage, the courts may be the next stop. “If there are cheaper, equally secure alternatives, the public deserves to know why government is pushing the most expensive option.”

Social media users call it out

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), the public response has been scathing.
“New number plates, same old corruption,” one user posted.
Another asked, “Why not fix potholes first?”

A few did voice support, saying the new system could help track stolen vehicles. But overall, suspicion ran high.

Innovation or illusion?

South Africans aren’t opposed to innovation. But in a country where public trust in government spending is already worn thin, flashy solutions that don’t address root problems ring hollow.

Until Gauteng can show the public that this isn’t just another money grab with real, transparent solutions for enforcement, affordability, and accountability the new number plates will remain more controversial than cutting-edge.

{Source: My Broad Band}

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