Thursday, 5 December 2024

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to three significant pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing governance, safety, and efficiency across various sectors in South Africa. These include the Deeds Registries Amendment Bill, the Rail Safety Bill, and the National Road Traffic Amendment Bill.

1. Deeds Registries Amendment Bill

The newly signed law, amending the Deeds Registries Act of 1937, seeks to modernize and streamline deeds registration processes. It introduces the following key measures:

• Uniform Registration Practices: Enhancing uniformity across deeds registries.
• Modernization of Systems: Mandating the Chief Registrar of Deeds to develop and maintain an electronic deeds registration and recordal system, in line with the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act.
• State Capability Building: Regulating qualifications for Registrars, Deputy Registrars, and Assistant Registrars under the Public Service Act.
• Security Enhancements: Introducing penalties for unauthorized preparation or execution of deeds.

The law also enables attorneys, conveyancers, and notaries employed by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to manage State land transactions. These changes aim to reduce fraud, accelerate processes, and improve property ownership transparency.

2. Rail Safety Bill

The Rail Safety Bill establishes a comprehensive framework to regulate railway safety in South Africa. It replaces the National Railway Safety Regulator Act of 2002 and aligns the country’s railway safety standards with regional and international requirements.

Key provisions include:

• Railway Safety Permits: Introducing permits to regulate operations.
• Safety Monitoring System: Establishing a national system for safety information and monitoring.
• Regional Harmonization: Aligning safety standards with the objectives of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

These measures address significant developments in the rail sector, such as new rolling stock investments and the adoption of standard gauge rail systems, while promoting rail as a safe, efficient transportation mode.

3. National Road Traffic Amendment Bill

This legislation introduces stringent measures to improve road safety, align with the National Road Safety Strategy, and combat corruption within the transport sector.

Notable amendments include:

• Regulations on Driver and Vehicle Fitness: Establishing qualifications for driving licence examiners and introducing penalties for offences related to learner’s licences.
• Governance Improvements: Disqualifying officials with direct or indirect financial interests in vehicle-related businesses.
• Oversight of Training Centers: Registering and grading driving schools, testing centers, and other stakeholders.
• Enhanced Emergency Services: Mandating immediate response to road incidents and regulating emergency vehicle operations.

The new law also addresses fraud by imposing penalties for unlawful assistance in driving licence applications and provides for the suspension or cancellation of registrations for individuals convicted of relevant offences.

These legislative developments reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, safety, and governance in critical sectors, paving the way for improved service delivery and public trust.