CAPE TOWN – President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented and signed three significant bills into law, marking notable advancements in transport regulation and municipal fiscal powers.
This move, in accordance with Section 79(1) of the Constitution, aims to enhance economic growth, transport efficiency, and municipal governance.
1. National Land Transport Amendment Bill
Originally passed by Parliament in 2020, the National Land Transport Amendment Bill was returned to the National Assembly due to constitutional concerns. The revised bill updates the National Land Transport Act of 2009 by:
- Inserting and amending definitions.
- Providing for non-motorised and accessible transport.
- Expanding provincial and municipal powers to contract public transport services.
- Enhancing the Minister’s authority to make regulations and introduce safety measures.
2. Economic Regulation of Transport Bill
This bill is designed to boost economic growth and improve the welfare of South Africans by fostering an efficient transport sector. Key provisions include:
- Establishing a Transport Economic Regulator to oversee pricing, handle complaints, and enforce compliance in the transport sector.
- Creating a unified regulatory body dedicated to the economic regulation of the transport industry.
3. Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Amendment Bill
The third bill focuses on enhancing municipal fiscal capabilities. Its primary objectives are:
- Regulating the authority of municipalities to levy development charges.
- Establishing a system for imposing levies on land development applications, linking these charges to the approval of such applications.
- Empowering municipalities to impose taxes, levies, and duties as authorised by national legislation.
Issued by the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, these legislative changes are poised to modernize the country’s transport infrastructure and support sustainable local government development.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ASSENTS AND SIGNS THREE BILLS INTO LAW
President @CyrilRamaphosa has in terms of Section 79(1) of the Constitution assented and signed three Bills into law.
The three Bills are The National Land Transport Amendment Bill, the Economic Regulation of Transport…— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 11, 2024
