LOOK: New Gauteng number plates unveiled
A pilot for Gauteng's new number plate system will launch on Thursday, 5 June.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela will officially launch the pilot for the new “cutting-edge technological, tamper-proof provincial number plate system” on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
The announcement was made on the Gauteng Provincial Government's X page, with the official unveiling set to take place at the Nasrec Centre in Johannesburg.
Look here:
Premier Panyaza @Lesufi together with @GPDRT_ MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela
— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) June 3, 2025
will on Thursday, 05 June 2025 preside over the unveiling of a new, cutting-edge technological, tamper-proof provincial number plate system. #RoadSafety #AgaLeRona #GrowingGautengTogether #TacklingG13 pic.twitter.com/eSvDTMY2Dg
According to MyBroadband, Lesufi initially teased the high-security upgrade during his 2023 State of the Province Address. At the time, he stressed the need to reduce criminal activity involving unregistered vehicles.
READ: New SAPS scam stealing victims' money
"Fraudulent number plates and cars without proper documentation are at the centre of crime in our province, especially kidnappings, robberies, and rented murder," Lesufi said.
"Criminals use undocumented cars to commit crimes. We are now ready to launch tamper-proof new number plates."
As reported by MyBroadband, the province began piloting the system using government vehicles in the 2024/25 financial year.
"The objective of the new GP number plate system, with enhanced security features and related changes, is to improve the detection of motor vehicles and owner identification," said Creecy.
Lesufi emphasised the broader crime-fighting strategy behind the new system.
"In order to strengthen our fight against crime, we need to revamp our legislation in three crucial areas," he explained.
"The first one is the registration of cars because cars are a common denominator in violent crimes, either as stolen vehicles or getaway cars."
READ: WhatsApp has stopped working on these devices
The new plates are designed to be difficult to forge or tamper with.
"Those who are using wrong or duplicate number plates will have no time to drive through our roads."
Another reason for the change is that the current number-and-letter format is simply running out of unique combinations.
Gauteng's New Number Plate Specifications
The new plates will include the South African flag, a "ZA" UN country code, and a QR barcode linking to a secure, cloud-based database.
On the other side of a vertical line will be the registration number. Beneath the QR code is a special decal that will "self-destruct" if someone tries to remove it.
This also means all Gauteng motorists will eventually have to re-register their vehicles and obtain new plates, which may come with additional costs.
Tune into 'The Drive with Rob & Roz' on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Main image: X/ Gauteng Provincial Government