New Transport rules for South Africa during Lockdown Level 3

Minister of Transport Fikile Mbaulula, has allowed increased travelling under Lockdown Level 3 under strict rules which is outlines in the level 3 regulations. The regulations explain where South Africans are allowed to travel between provinces, districts and metropolitan areas. 

The following railway stations are open to operate during lockdown level 3 under Prasa routes: 

• Pienaarspoort to Pretoria Central;
• Cape Town Southern line to Simonstown;
• East London to Berlin;
• Port Elizabeth to Uitenhage;
• Any other commuter services.

The following Gautrain stations are open to operate during lockdown level 3 on the following routes: 

• Park Station to Hatfield; and
• Sandton to OR Tambo International Airport.

Minister of Transport Fikile Mbaulula, has also outlined how air travel will work under level 3 lockdown in a third directive. The directive indicates that all international passenger flights are prohibited except those flights authorised by the Minister of Transport for the repatriation of South African nationals from foreign countries and evacuation of foreign nationals from South Africa. Commercial domestic passenger flights may resume on 1 June subject to the following conditions:

• Domestic passenger air travel is not permitted for recreational, leisure or tourism purposes;
• Domestic passenger flights are permitted to only use Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, OR Tambo International Airport, and Lanseria Airport.

There are safety guidelines that must be adhered to during air travel such as the following:

• Only employees who work at the airport with a permit, foreign consular and diplomatic agents rendering consular services to foreign nationals, crew and, passengers are allowed in the terminal building;

• Drop-off and pick up is only permitted outside the terminal building;

• All persons entering the terminal building and boarding aircraft must be required to wear face masks;

• Airports and all airlines must develop and implement procedures consistent with the applicable Covid-19 regulations;

• Passengers are required to provide written authorisation or proof of travel;

• All persons shall be screened before entering the terminal building, and will be denied access should they have elevated temperature or present with signs of being infected with Covid-19.

The National lockdown has made it difficult for motorists to renew expired licenses, and the government has now made it easier for motorists to extend the validity of these licenses until the lockdown restrictions are relaxed. The latest regulations state that all documentation that expired between 26 March and 31 May will now be extended for 90 days, from 1 June.

This applies to:

• Learner’s licences;
• Driving licences;
• Temporary drivers licences;
• Motor vehicle licence discs;
• Temporary permits;
• Roadworthy certificates;
• Professional driver permits.

Stay safe South Africa! 

Figures correct at time of publication