Category: Africa

The Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA) says the implementation of  Phase 2 of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) is continuing as scheduled.

This as RTIA welcomed the order of the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) had brought an urgent application to interdict the implementation of Phase 2 of AARTO, which is scheduled to commence on 1 July 2026.

“On 23 June 2026, SALGA instituted an urgent application against the Minister of Transport, RTIA, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and the Minister of Finance. SALGA raised concerns on the regulatory framework for the implementation of Phase 2 of AARTO, infrastructure and equipment readiness of issuing authorities, and the financial model for municipalities,” the authority said in a statement.

The purpose of the Act is to promote quality, safety and discipline in road traffic by providing for a scheme to discourage road traffic contraventions; to facilitate the adjudication of road traffic infringements; to support the prosecution of offences in terms of national and provincial laws relating to road traffic, and to implement a points demerit system, among others.

Additionally, SALGA had formally declared an intergovernmental dispute on 19 June 2026, in terms of section 41 of the Constitution and the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, seeking to halt the implementation of Phase 2 of AARTO, pending the resolution of the dispute.

SALGA’s application was opposed by the Department of Transport, RTIA, and the South African Post Office (SAPO) on the following grounds:
•    Lack of urgency: SALGA had been aware of the 1 July 2026 implementation date since November 2025 but delayed bringing the application, creating its own urgency.
•    Lack of authority to represent municipalities: SALGA failed to provide evidence that municipalities authorised it to bring the application on their behalf. The Minister served a formal notice in terms of Rule 7 of the Uniform Rules of the High Court, requiring SALGA to produce council resolutions from the affected municipalities. 
•    Presidential proclamation not yet in place at the time of the filing of the application: The implementation of AARTO requires a Presidential Proclamation.
•    Readiness for implementation: RTIA demonstrated that it is fully prepared for Phase 2 rollout. Under Phase 2, there are 62 issuing authorities with 283 combined sites, of which 75% are properly equipped and have received relevant training. This includes the provision of equipment, training of law enforcement officers and back-office personnel and ensuring network connectivity.

Upon hearing the matter, the Court struck the application from the roll, finding that:
•    SALGA failed to establish urgency, as required by the rules of the High Court.
•    SALGA failed to demonstrate that it was authorised to act on behalf of municipalities.
•    Courts should not lightly interfere with government decisions on policy matters and the implementation of legislation.

“The order clears the way for the implementation of AARTO Phase 2, as scheduled on 1 July 2026, the system is now being rolled out across a total of 62 local and metropolitan municipalities, building upon the initial implementation already underway in Johannesburg and Tshwane.

“RTIA remains committed to the successful rollout of AARTO and will continue working with all issuing authorities to ensure effective implementation. Motorists and the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the AARTO system through the official channels and resources provided by RTIA,” it said.

Meanwhile, SALGA on Tuesday expressed disappointment at the ruling of the court.

“The ‘for lack of urgency’, reasoning by the court, only means that the merits of the case will have to be argued at a later stage and not on an urgent basis,” it said.

It further added that at the heart of the contention are concerns around the funding model underpinning the Act and its regulations. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Human Settlements, together with the Gauteng Provincial Government, has brought dignity to families of the Rand West City Local Municipality, with the handover of housing units.

The units are part of the Droogeheuwel Mega Project, which is expected to deliver some 5 906 housing opportunities upon completion.

“Today, we have come to restore your dignity. Today, all of you can lift up your house keys and say, ‘I am going to my home’. 

“We are still going to come back and build sports facilities, a community hall and other facilities. 

“We ask that you be the ears and eyes of government here so that others, whose homes are still to be built, can also come in. Protect each other by starting community safety organisations so that there’s no crime. Build your community here, so that your lives may continue peacefully,” Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane told the community.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the new homes represent a “worthy investment” from government into the lives of ordinary people.

“Even the title deed that we are going to give you, you can rest assured that when you pass, your children will have the home that government has given you. So, take care of the home.”

Human Settlements MEC in Gauteng, Tasneem Motara, urged the new homeowners to take pride in their property and warned that renting out the home may result in criminal prosecution.

“We are building new communities, new suburbs, new towns so take pride in your property and your community.

“Don’t rent out the house to anybody else. You are not a landlord; you are a homeowner. We are going to do inspections. If you have rented the house out, we are going to jail you because it’s illegal. You are [also] not allowed to sell this house within eight years. But even after eight years, don’t sell it. Keep it for your children. Your children and grandchild will have a proper home.

“Congratulations and we thank you for being patient,” Motara said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has launched BrainSAT Satellite Services and Thuraya satellite phones as part of efforts to expand digital connectivity to citizens in rural and remote communities.

Speaking at the launch and unveiling of the next-generation Thuraya satellite phone in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday, the Deputy President said the technologies would help bridge the divide between isolation and opportunity for people in rural villages, townships and remote communities.

“We want a young boy in a rural village, who once had to walk kilometres just to borrow textbooks from a distant school library, to now have full access to digital connectivity. From his home, he should be able to log into online learning platforms, attend virtual classes, and connect with mentors across the world,” the Deputy President.

He emphasised that reliable broadband and satellite connectivity are not merely technological advances but instruments of inclusion.

“This is the foundation of a resilient digital economy. It equips farmers with real-time weather and market intelligence, enables small businesses to compete in the digital marketplace, and provides young people with access to the skills and opportunities that will define the jobs of the future.

“Digital transformation is no longer a choice, it is an economic imperative. Around the world, it is driving investment, accelerating innovation, creating sustainable employment and improving the delivery of public services. 

“Satellite communications are equally strategic, extending connectivity to underserved communities, strengthening national resilience, and ensuring that no South African is left behind,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

The launch follows the Deputy President’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in April 2024, where he engaged various companies providing satellite technology.

One of the key outcomes of these engagements was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Space42 and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Space42 is partnering with BrainSAT South Africa to implement the MOU.

BrainSAT South Africa provides integrated satellite communication solutions to government, business and industry, including secure voice, broadband and data connectivity services across various sectors.

Through its strategic partnership with Space42, a leading global SpaceTech company, BrainSAT South Africa uses advanced satellite infrastructure and technologies to extend satellite communication services across South Africa and the continent.

“We want to ensure connection availability across South Africa’s most connectivity-dependent sectors such as energy, mining, maritime, and humanitarian operations. Satellite connectivity is essential for maintaining operational continuity and safety in extreme conditions. 

“Collaborations with Government and Private Entities will ensure that critical sectors stay connected, thus advancing technological innovations while also protecting the essential lifelines of the economy and society,” the Deputy President said.

The Deputy President said connectivity alone is not enough, adding that it must benefit everyone as a key engine of upward mobility in the digital age.

He called on BrainSAT and Thuraya to invest deeply in training programmes, apprenticeships and skills development initiatives.

“If we equip our youth with the expertise to design, maintain, and innovate within this sector, we secure South Africa’s digital future while empowering a generation to lead in the knowledge economy.

“Our partnership must therefore be more about capacity-building, job creation, and nurturing talent so that our youth stand at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation,” he said.

The Deputy President further emphasised government’s commitment to improving access to public services for millions of South Africans.

“To achieve this, we have implemented the Roadmap for Digital Transformation in Government, aimed at simplifying access to essential services, including grants, ID applications, payment collections, and school registrations.

“The roadmap outlines a strategy for modernising service delivery through investments in shared systems, improved coordination, and the elimination of access barriers,” the Deputy President said.

The launch of Thuraya satellite phones and BrainSAT Satellite Services is expected to support the government’s digital transformation roadmap by providing resilient infrastructure for modern and accessible public services.

“This technological foundation is designed to bridge the digital divide, enhance resilience, and empower citizens, allowing them to access government services with dignity and ease.

“Furthermore, the Government views connectivity through the lens of the South Africa Connect programme, which aims to provide universal broadband access to all schools, health facilities, and Government institutions,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

The initiative seeks to create an integrated “network of networks” to ensure that connectivity meets the cost and quality requirements of citizens, businesses and the public sector.

The SA Connect initiative is aimed at improving connectivity in remote areas of South Africa through a satellite-based communications network, complementing broadband services and helping to address the digital divide. –SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that South Africa and the wider African continent have broken the cycle of playing “digital catch-up” and are firmly in the driving seat of a technological revolution that will catalyse jobs and modernise public services.

The President was speaking at the first Google Cloud Summit held on the African continent at the Sandton Convention Centre on Wednesday.

“The regional Google Cloud Summits are the premier technology and enterprise events for showcasing the latest innovations in cloud computing, AI [artificial intelligence] and digital transformation. This event affirms Africa’s position as a core growth region for the global cloud ecosystem.

“This is so because Africa is no longer simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere. We are becoming a place where new digital solutions are imagined, tested and scaled,” President Ramaphosa noted.

He highlighted that Africa has an opportunity to be at the cutting edge of industrialisation.

“For far too long, Africa has had to play digital catch-up with the world’s leading and most industrialised economies. We are now presented with a unique opportunity to be in the driving seat of our own industrialisation and growth.

“Technology will unlock entirely new industries, improve the competitiveness of existing firms and create opportunities for thousands of entrepreneurs who today face barriers to entering the formal economy,” the President stated.

He welcomed Google’s latest investment in South Africa’s, which will be announced at the Summit – describing them as a significant vote of confidence in the country’s economic trajectory and structural reforms.

“They will catalyse job creation, support the growth of small and medium enterprises, and, above all, enhance our global competitiveness.

“Cloud and AI are reshaping the global landscape at a pace unprecedented in human history. As South Africa, we stand ready to harness these shifts to transform our economy and society,” he said.

A fitting match

The President described South Africa as the continent’s “digital investment powerhouse and Africa’s largest cloud market” and hosts approximately 70 percent of the continent’s hyperscale data centre capacity.

Additionally, Cape Town was recently ranked as the third-highest startup ecosystem on the continent.

“South Africa and Google are a perfect match. South Africa combines world-class financial markets, sophisticated legal institutions, deep engineering capability, globally respected universities and a growing innovation ecosystem.

“These are precisely the ingredients required for a thriving AI economy,” the President noted.

Furthermore, the push towards digitisation aligns with government’s ongoing economic turnaround strategy.

“A critical part of the structural reforms being coordinated through Operation Vulindlela is the creation of a comprehensive digital public infrastructure for South Africa that will serve as the backbone of our modern economy.

“Secure, interoperable digital systems will support digitalisation across the public and private sectors, foster financial inclusion and scale up the delivery of public services.

“A key strategic priority of our government is inclusive growth and job creation, and we have been clear on the role a robust digital infrastructure must play in achieving this goal. We are greatly encouraged that Google shares this view,” he said.

The President praised Google’s commitment for being a “steadfast partner in Africa’s development journey” and added that the continent and South Africa have ambitions that go deeper.

“Our ambition is not simply to expand and host data centres. Our ambition is to build companies. To produce researchers. To commercialise African ideas. To create intellectual property that competes globally, 

“Ours is the generation called upon to build the digital infrastructure that will power the African century. Let future generations say that when the opportunity came, Africa chose ambition over hesitation, innovation over imitation and partnership over isolation.

“Together we will ensure that the technologies shaping tomorrow are developed in ways that advance human dignity, expand opportunity and improve the lives of all our people,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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