Browsing: Transport

Motorists travelling through Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni are being urged to remain alert to vehicle hijacking risks at busy intersections, highway exits, petrol stations and residential driveways. Safety information compiled from Arrive Alive, vehicle security guidance and previously published Gauteng hotspot reports identifies several routes where drivers should exercise caution. The guidance also highlights criminal tactics involving staged accidents, false vehicle warnings, impersonation of law enforcement officers and road obstacles.

Gauteng motorists could face a zero alcohol limit under proposed changes to South Africa’s National Road Traffic Act, announced by Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa in Midrand on Thursday, 8 October 2026. The proposal would amend Section 65 of the Act to introduce a zero alcohol approach, while new mobile alcohol evidence units are being introduced to strengthen roadside testing. The announcement comes ahead of the December holiday period, with transport authorities seeking to address alcohol related crashes, dangerous driving and road fatalities.

Johannesburg has launched its Transport Month 2026 programme, putting traffic signal upgrades, road repairs, Rea Vaya connectivity and commuter safety on the agenda this October. Launched on Thursday, 1 October, the programme is led by the City of Johannesburg Transport Department under the theme “Working Together Through Public Private Partnerships.” The City says the campaign will bring together municipal entities, government, transport operators and other partners to address parts of Johannesburg’s transport network.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation has urged Gauteng motorists and other road users to exercise caution as increased traffic is expected around Heritage Day on Thursday, 24 September 2026. The warning comes as public schools close for the third term on Wednesday, 23 September, creating a holiday period in which families may travel, visit relatives or attend Heritage Day activities.

Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand will host South Africa’s first international 24 hour motor race from 8 to 10 January 2027 after endurance racing organiser Creventic moved its scheduled Dubai event to Gauteng. The organiser confirmed the change on 18 September 2026, citing uncertainty in the Gulf region and its effect on transport planning and logistics costs. The event, officially named Michelin 24H Kyalami, will bring the Michelin 24H Series to Africa for the first time and return international endurance competition to the circuit after its previous event in 2023.

Women continue to be underrepresented in South Africa’s taxi industry despite its critical role in the country’s public transport system. Speaking at the South African National Taxi Council Women’s Month Summit, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said women account for only about 2% of the industry’s workforce and own just 2.8% of operational minibus taxis. She said government and industry reforms aim to increase women’s participation in ownership, leadership and business opportunities within the sector.

South African motorists could be paying significantly more at the pumps from Wednesday, 2 September 2026, as the latest fuel price forecasts point to substantial increases for both petrol and diesel. The projected increases follow continued volatility in international oil markets, driven largely by ongoing conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to global oil supplies. For Gauteng residents who rely heavily on private vehicles, public transport and commercial road freight, higher fuel prices are likely to place additional pressure on household budgets and business operating costs.

Sports fans travelling to Gauteng’s biggest football and rugby fixtures over the coming weeks will have several public transport options available through Gautrain and PRASA. The transport services include special train and shuttle connections for the Kaizer Chiefs versus Mamelodi Sundowns Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium, as well as upcoming Vodacom Bulls and Springboks fixtures.

Transport authorities across South Africa are intensifying enforcement against illegal scholar transport operators, with Gauteng launching a province-wide operating licence handover programme ahead of a key 14 August deadline. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has warned that scholar transport operators who have already been approved for operating licences must collect them before the deadline, while operators transporting learners without the required permits risk enforcement action. The renewed compliance drive forms part of broader efforts to improve learner safety, eliminate administrative backlogs and ensure that all scholar transport services operate legally under the National Land Transport Act.

South Africa introduced a mandatory online traveller declaration system on 1 July 2026, requiring all travellers entering or leaving the country by air, land, sea or rail to submit their customs declarations electronically before travelling. The new requirement affects South African citizens, permanent residents and foreign visitors, including Gauteng residents travelling for business, holidays or cross border trips. According to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the system is intended to simplify customs declarations, improve border management and reduce processing times at ports of entry.