Creecy unveils major rail, airport, licence reforms

Briefing the media on her 2025/26 budget vote, Creecy confirmed that the long-awaited fix to the country’s driver’s licence card printing crisis is finally in place, alongside sweeping investments in airport infrastructure and a firm commitment to restoring commuter rail services.

Motorists across South Africa have been frustrated for months by a backlog in the printing of driver’s licence cards.

The backlog currently stands at 690,000. 

Creecy confirmed that the faulty card machine has now been repaired.

"We are hard at work clearing out the printing backlog of licence cards," Creecy said.

"To ensure we have a backup solution, we have signed an MoU with the Government Printing Works. We expect that within three months, this solution will be able to print licence cards."

The department also acknowledged a pending legal review of an Auditor General’s report, which had flagged irregularities in the procurement process for a new licence card machine.

-Budget set aside for Airport upgrades and Freight Terminal-

Turning to aviation, Creecy said Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has committed R21.7 billion toward infrastructure development aimed at boosting passenger comfort, cargo capacity, and safety.

The goal is to move 42 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of air freight annually by the end of the current administration’s term.

“This is about improving the travel experience, boosting tourism, and positioning aviation as a driver of economic growth,” Creecy told the media.

The minister confirmed the construction of a new freight terminal at OR Tambo International Airport and the fast-tracking of projects to ensure a reliable jet fuel supply across ACSA’s airport network.

-PRASA Rail Corridors Restored-

Creecy further reported a recovery on the country's rail system, which had all but collapsed due to theft, vandalism, and mismanagement in recent years.

By May, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) had successfully restored 35 of 40 rail corridors. The agency recorded 77 million passenger journeys in the last financial year, with 116 million projected for 2025/26.

"Rail is being re-established as the backbone of public transport. We want a system that is safe, reliable, and affordable—especially for working-class families,” said Creecy.

Treasury has allocated R66.1 billion over the medium term to support PRASA’s recovery, including investments in new trains, rebuilding the national signalling system, and upgrading stations and service lines.

"Our competitive pricing model for commuter passengers will ensure that working-class communities take advantage of our offerings," Creecy added.

The minister stressed that the department’s strategy aims to create a modern, integrated, and efficient transport system by 2030.

This includes strengthening freight rail through private-sector partnerships, reducing road fatalities by 45%, and ensuring better public oversight of state-owned entities.

"We are rebuilding trust in the public transport system and investing in the future of mobility for all South Africans,” the minister said.

"To ensure greater safety on our roads and reduce the devastating toll road accidents have on lives and livelihoods, we aim to reduce road fatalities by 45% by 2029, so we reach the UN target of halving road fatalities by 2030.

"Fundamental to our rail reform programme is our intention to re-establish rail as the backbone of transport for people and goods."

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