South Africa’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Public Infrastructure has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s transportation systems, citing persistent governance failures, administrative backlogs and economic constraints that threaten to derail the sector’s development objectives.
During a briefing by the Department of Transport on its 2025–26 strategic plan, committee chairperson Rikus Badenhorst underscored the centrality of an efficient transport system to South Africa’s economic recovery and growth.
The department’s plan aims to expand rail freight and commuter services, reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2030 and improve private sector participation in infrastructure investment.
However, committee members expressed serious concern over execution capacity, particularly on the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) where a production backlog of approximately 680,000 cards has accumulated due to equipment malfunctions and irregular procurement processes.
While the department has committed to clearing the backlog within three months, members of parliament noted the broader governance issues that have plagued the transition to digital identification systems.
The committee also flagged the deteriorating state of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), requesting a detailed report into its governance and financial management.
The RAF, a central mechanism for compensating victims of road accidents, has been the subject of mounting public criticism due to payment delays and administrative inefficiencies.
Budget figures presented showed a revenue projection of R321 million (about $18.1 million) against anticipated expenses of R379 million for the year ahead, further raising concerns over sustainability and the department’s growing dependence on consultants.
The MPs urged tighter oversight of public transport entities and encouraged the development of regulatory tools such as a taxi fare index to protect both operators and commuters.
JN/APA