Ban on driver’s licences at airports, and good news about petrol prices

The Civil Aviation Amendment Act 22 of 2021 has only just taken effect, despite being signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa four years earlier.

President Ramaphosa signed the proclamation on 16 September 2026, with the laws taking effect on the date of gazetting on 12 October 2026.

This is more than four years after the amendments were signed into law on 6 April 2022. The laws aim to improve safety by expanding the jurisdiction of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

In other news, oil prices climbed after a new wave of attacks in the Middle East, casting doubts over a recovery in energy flows.

Brent Crude climbed to over $106 per barrel after Iran attacked tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia intercepted more missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis in Yemen. However, Saudi Aramco’s headquarters was hit in the attacks.

This comes after Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh airport was attacked last week. This has put additional pressure on the United States to step up support for its ally in the region.

5 important things

Petrol prices take a turn for the better in South Africa: New data from the Central Energy Fund show that the fuel price under-recoveries for November have declined, resulting in a smaller price hike. Early data indicated that petrol would increase by R4.6 per litre, though this estimate has since dropped to R2.6 per litre [TopAuto].

Roads in South African municipality falling apart: The Walter Sisulu Municipality’s roads are deteriorating after its only grader broke down six months ago. Matthee Nel, a councillor for the area, said they cannot maintain their recorded network of over 228 kilometres of unpaved municipal roads. [Newsday].

FlySafair preparing for possible driver’s licence ban at airports: FlySafair chief marketing officer Kirby Gordon said the airline was monitoring the Department of Transport’s proposal to ban the use of driver’s licences as a form of identification. In South Africa, driver’s licences are currently permitted as a form of ID for boarding domestic flights, but this is now likely to change. [MyBroadband].

R1-billion makeover plan for international airport next to Sun City: Plans are underway to restore the Pilanesberg International Airport, which was damaged in a fire in 2023. The airport is located in North West between the Pilanesberg National Park and the Sun City Resort [BusinessTech].

Hyundai doubles down on Indian-made cars: Hyundai plans to invest $15.5 billion in India through 2032, covering manufacturing expansion for both Hyundai and Kia, as well as research and development, infrastructure, and supply chains [Bloomberg].