JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has strongly opposed the proposed Gauteng vehicle fee hikes, warning that planned increases in registration and licence costs will place unbearable financial strain on local motorists. MISA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola highlighted that the timing of these adjustments ignores the severe cost-of-living pressures currently facing South African households.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has proposed changes that would see vehicle registration fees increase by approximately R12, bringing the total cost to R240. Additionally, licence disc renewal fees are slated to rise by between R24 and R156, depending on the vehicle’s weight. If approved, these changes would make Gauteng’s licence disc renewal fees the highest in the country for vehicles weighing under 3,500 kg.
While the individual increases may appear marginal on paper, MISA argues they will significantly compound the growing financial burden on drivers. This comes shortly after fuel prices were raised at the beginning of October, with unleaded petrol climbing to R30.25 per liter and diesel reaching R33.29 per liter.
According to a study by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, low-wage workers are currently spending at least 68% of their salaries on electricity and transportation alone, before even accounting for food. Hlubi-Majola noted that workers are already being forced to choose between buying groceries and paying for transport, and that transport companies will inevitably pass these new administrative costs down to the consumer.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has indicated that the adjustments are part of necessary annual increases to cover the costs of administering vehicle registration and licensing services. Furthermore, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy is reportedly exploring an increase in vehicle registration fees tied to the Road Accident Fund (RAF). This proposed model aims to address the shortfall caused by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), which benefit from road infrastructure but do not contribute to the fuel levy.
MISA outright rejects this approach, arguing against the double taxation of the general public. Instead of hiking general registration fees to cover EV shortfalls, the association suggests implementing a separate, specific fee for EV owners to contribute to the fuel levy.
“If there are to be increases, our government must look at ways to cushion motorists, whether by reducing the fuel levy or other taxes to make life bearable for ordinary South Africans,” Hlubi-Majola stated.
With the public consultation process for the current proposal already closed, MISA plans to escalate the matter. The union intends to raise the issue at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) through its federation, leveraging its history of engaging the government on basic consumer costs. MISA previously successfully lobbied for a reduction in the fuel levy during the last round of petrol price increases and is hoping for similar intervention to protect financially stressed workers.
