Question NW2354 to the Minister of Transport

Reply:

My Department participates in the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) which is constituted by the President of Republic of South Africa, led by Minister of Labour. The IMC amongst others is responsible to deal with migration of foreign nationals for employment and related opportunities. Departments constituting the IMC are tasked with the responsibilities of developing an implementation plan to arrest the problems affecting the Road Freight and Logistics Industry.

The Implementation Plan had four action steps, being the review of legislation, review of policy, inspections of all companies in the truck industry and roadblocks, vehicle check points as well as high visibility patrols at affected routes. The Department of Transport and its entities, i.e, the RTMC and CBRTA participates in inspections of road freight companies, roadblocks and vehicle checks.

In addition to the above activities, my Department has proposed the insertion of Regulation 116A in the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000, which still recognises a professional driving permit issued by countries within the SADC and prescribed territories. These professional driving permits shall in line with the proposed amendment be valid only when operating a motor vehicle registered in the country that issued any such professional driving permit and further that South African registered trucks shall only be operated by drivers who possess a South African issued professional driving permit.