Plans to digitise South Africa’s tourist transport licensing system, including the introduction of online application tracking, are part of efforts to reduce administrative delays for operators.
Speaking at the TBCSA Leadership Conference at Sun City on October 28, Mathabatha Mokonyama, Director-General of the National Department of Transport, said digitisation is a priority in improving the efficiency of the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR).
However, he did not provide a timeline for implementation.
The work is part of a broader reform programme undertaken by a joint task team, established in July 2022, including government’s transport and tourism departments, the Presidency and industry stakeholders.
The work is divided into three areas:
- Legislative and regulatory amendments
- Operational improvements
- Digitisation and systems reform
Further changes proposed
As previously reported by Tourism Update, draft amendments to the national land transport regulations were gazetted on September 25 for public comment until November 5.
Among the proposed changes is the removal of requirements for certified copies of documents that can be verified through the electronic National Traffic Information System.or have been issued by the NPTR, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission or the South African Revenue Service.
Other proposed changes include the return of Form 5AA, which simplifies the administrative process for already accredited tour operators, narrowing licence conditions and recognising recommendations from tourism authorities without requiring an additional recommendation letter.
The amendments would also extend the period for collection of approved operating licences from 60 to 90 days, and remove route and operation area specifications.
The changes, still in proposal phase, will be implemented when finalised.
