News Desk Reporter
South Africa’s aviation sector has maintained its position among the world’s leading countries for civil aviation safety oversight.
The country remains the highest-ranked in Africa and holds seventh place globally, with a final safety rating of 94.99% from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced the result at the launch of Transport Month in Midrand on Thursday. She said ICAO had confirmed the rating last month.
“This outcome from the United Nations’ specialised agency for international aviation safety and security affirms once again the strength and maturity of the country’s aviation safety oversight system,” Creecy said.
The result comes as South Africa marks the 21st anniversary of Transport Month, which was first launched in October 2005.
This year’s programme is being held under the theme “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system”.
Creecy also announced plans to establish a Transport Digital Authority as digital technology and artificial intelligence continue to change the transport sector and its regulatory processes.
Among the immediate priorities are online registration for e-hailing vehicle owners and drivers from November, the digitisation of Flight Operator Permits by December and the rollout of a new online licensing system.
The licensing system is intended to help clear renewal backlogs affecting taxi operators and support provincial regulatory authorities.
The minister also outlined major road infrastructure plans through the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).
The projects are expected to improve road safety, shorten travel distances and create more than 35 000 jobs, while benefiting more than 2 000 small enterprises.
SANRAL has also committed more than R260 million to repairing and climate-proofing roads damaged by floods in Mpumalanga.