Relief for Tour Operators as Minister Patricia de Lille Welcomes Ruling

by
2 mins read
t o

Tour operators in South Africa can now breathe a sigh of relief with the resolution of issues that plagued their businesses. Minister Patricia de Lille’s announcement, following in-depth engagements with the private sector and the Departments of Transport and Tourism, indicated that law enforcement would cease unduly penalizing tour operators awaiting their renewed licenses. This decision is set to considerably reduce red tape and create a more conducive environment for the growth of the tourism industry.

Backlog of License Applications

The National Department of Transport (NDT), through its National Public Transport Regulator Committee (NPTR), oversees the issuance and renewal of tour operator licenses. However, a backlog of license applications resulted in detrimental consequences for tour operators nationwide. To tackle this issue, the Department of Tourism engaged with the Department of Transport last year, resulting in a meeting between Minister de Lille and Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga in May 2023.

Agreement Reached

The collaborative efforts between the Departments of Transport and Tourism led to an agreement that the Minister of Transport would send a letter to all MECs for Transport, calling for law enforcement officers to stop penalizing tour operators still awaiting their renewed licenses. Consequently, the Department of Transport cleared the backlog of 1,432 applications for tour operating licenses last year.

Despite approving 1,174 applications, only 636 licenses were uplifted by tour operators. To address this issue and improve relations between the industry and the NPTR, the Department of Transport organized workshops with the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) in key provinces such as Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. These workshops provided a platform for operators to engage directly with the NPTR and resolve their licensing issues.

Decision Reached

The recent MINMEC meeting between the Ministry of Transport and Transport MECs led to a decision urging law enforcement officers to correctly interpret Regulation 25(2) of the National Land Transport Regulations. This would prevent the unnecessary impounding of vehicles whose operators had rightfully applied for renewals. The Department of Transport recognizes the vital role of tourism in South Africa’s economy and is committed to enhancing its collaboration with the NPTR, industry, and sector departments.

Clarification for Operators

In June, Minister Chikunga sent a letter to all MECs, allowing tour operators who had applied for license renewals 30 days before the expiry of their license and had not yet received a notice to uplift to continue operating. They can do so by carrying a copy of their expired license and proof of their application for license renewal until their new license is issued. The letter also clarifies that operators complying with the regulation should not be penalized.

Resolution of Issues

The resolution of these issues stemmed from challenges in processing license applications, collecting license renewals, and inconsistencies in the interpretation of NLTA Regulation 25(2) by law enforcement officers. These inconsistencies led to the impoundment of tourism vehicles whose owners or operators had properly applied for operating license renewals.

The written resolution sent to all MECs is a significant relief for tour operators who have applied for license renewals and are waiting for their renewed licenses to be issued by the Department of Transport. The penalizing and impounding of tour operator vehicles had severely impacted the industry. The collective efforts of the government, the private sector, the TBCSA, and the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) have led to the resolution of this matter. The Department of Tourism will continue to work with the Department of Transport and all stakeholders to minimize red tape and create a more accessible business environment for the tourism sector, enabling it to contribute even more to South Africa’s economy.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

j o
Previous Story

Investigation Launched into Johannesburg Explosion

s o
Next Story

South Africa’s Ongoing Battle Against Rhino Poaching

Latest from Blog

community integration urban infrastructure

The Unveiling of Vygekraal Pedestrian Bridge: A Symbol of Progress

The unveiling of the Vygekraal pedestrian bridge in Cape Town represents progress, community integration, and safety. The bridge, which connects Kewtown and Bridgetown, provides easy access to schools, colleges, and places of worship. The completion of the bridge was not without its challenges, but it stands as a testament to the collective efforts of residents, officials, and community leaders. The bridge is designed to serve the public, and its purpose is to unify dreams, aspirations, and the shared destiny of its people.

metal theft cape town

The Unrelenting Battle Against Metal Theft: Cape Town’s Exceptional Retrieval of Stolen Cable

Cape Town has been fighting against metal theft, particularly the theft of street lights, with the help of a specialized team called the “Copperheads.” The team has facilitated the retrieval of over 1,700 kilograms of stolen metal, 53,000 meters of stolen cable, and made 115 arrests, including one that led to a 12year prison sentence. Despite persistent vandalism and theft, the city has been restoring and replacing stolen cables and damaged street lights at an unprecedented rate while intensifying inspections and patrols to bolster antitheft measures. The public has been urged to participate in the fight against metal theft by reaching out to the city’s 24hour tollfree tipoffs line.

city of cape town household survey

Participate in the City Initiative: Leverage the Household Survey to Influence Your Neighbourhood

The City of Cape Town is conducting a household survey to gain insight into the socioeconomic circumstances of different communities, with over half of the targeted 10,000 interviews already completed. Residents can participate to help shape their communities’ future and enhance service delivery. The collected data is confidential and adheres to the Protection of Personal Information Act, and participation is voluntary. Kantar, a data collection agency, is conducting the survey with safety measures in place to ensure legitimacy and minimize privacy intrusion.

eco-friendly water management

**The Otter Weed Harvester: A Breakthrough in Eco-friendly Water Management**

Meet Otter, a weed harvester designed to keep Cape Town’s water bodies healthy and clean. Equipped with underwater blades, it is responsible for controlling the growth of Sago Pondweed, removing algal mats, and refining water quality. Otter is a breakthrough in ecofriendly water management and a triumph of local craftsmanship, contributing to the city’s dedication towards preserving and enhancing its water bodies.

sewer misuse public health

An Unseen Crisis: Sewer Misuse in Cape Town’s Wesbank

The deliberate removal of manhole covers and the addition of foreign objects leads to severe blockages and overflows, posing a dangerous threat to public health and safety. The community must take responsibility and practice responsible waste disposal to protect the vital infrastructure that maintains the city’s health and cleanliness. The city has initiated awareness campaigns and a hotline to report incidents, but residents must also play a significant role in protecting their city’s health.