Gauteng unveiled last november a cutting-edge number plate system designed to bolster security and create exciting business opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
The new prototype, introduced by the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), features advanced security measures aimed at curbing crime and ensuring traceability.
According to the GPG’s 2023/24 Annual Report, the system will enable law enforcement officers to track and trace number plates issued by authorized embossers. By scanning the plates, officials can verify details such as the embosser, vehicle information, and owner data, making it easier to combat illegal activities.
As part of its empowerment strategy, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport hosted a workshop in Randfontein to encourage youth participation in the number plate embossing sector. The initiative also highlighted funding opportunities available to aspiring entrepreneurs.
“The registration of embossers has begun, with certificates being issued to legalized manufacturers to ensure compliance with regulations,” the report states.
A number plate embosser is a machine that uses stencils and dies to create raised characters and graphics on metal sheets, producing durable and secure license plates. In Gauteng, all embossers must be registered with the Department of Roads and Transport, in line with the National Road Traffic Act, which prohibits unregistered manufacturing or sale of number plates.
The registration process, launched in July 2023, has already seen several embossers receive certification. By November 2024, the new license plates will feature tamper-proof designs, including QR codes and self-destructing decals to prevent cloning and unauthorized removal.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy emphasized that these innovations will enhance safety, reduce counterfeit plates, and hold manufacturers and retailers accountable. With Gauteng running out of new number combinations, the updated system is a timely solution to modernize vehicle identification while empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
This initiative not only addresses security concerns but also opens doors for youth to thrive in a growing industry, marking a significant step forward for Gauteng’s road safety and economic development.
The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) will increase the number of EV charging stations, making it essential not to underestimate the importance of cybersecurity.
William Petherbridge, systems engineering manager for Southern Africa at Fortinet, emphasises that EVs and their charging infrastructure are just as susceptible to cyberattacks as any other internet-connected technology.
Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel’s Electric Vehicles White Paper presents a thorough EV roadmap for South Africa, covering aspects like local manufacturing capacity. However, there has been minimal attention given to cybersecurity concerning EVs and the necessary charging stations, according to Petherbridge. The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) observed substantial growth in new energy vehicle sales and issued a tender for over 100 new EV charging stations on major routes last year. These additions will contribute to the rapidly expanding networks of privately-owned charging stations already established.
“EVs are an emerging trend likely to dominate the market within a few years, so businesses are moving quickly to gain an early lead. In the rush to stake a claim in the EV charge point market, there is a risk that cybersecurity will be a mere afterthought,” warns Petherbridge.
