Kaya 959 Kaya Biz

Motorists face a crackdown as unpaid fines now blocking licences, triggering summonses and wrecking holiday travel plans

Loading player...
outh Africans face a crackdown as unpaid fines now blocking licences, triggering summonses, and wrecking holiday travel plans



GUEST - Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA


GUEST - Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA

As South Africa moves toward the full national rollout of the AARTO Act in mid-2026, motorists are already feeling the consequences of unpaid fines long before the demerit system officially goes live. Across the country, drivers are encountering blocked licence renewals, surprise summonses, ballooning penalties, and even flagged vehicles at roadblocks as enforcement shifts into a more automated, integrated phase.

Although AARTO is not yet fully implemented, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) and multiple municipal systems have begun synchronising data, meaning that outstanding fines are no longer invisible or contained within local jurisdictions. Enforcement is becoming real-time, consistent, and far less forgiving.

According to RTIA data, more than 32 million fines remain outstanding nationwide, and system integrations already underway are exposing these backlogs during routine NaTIS transactions and holiday enforcement operations.
2 Dec 2025 12PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Pivot Point: Shaping Africa’s Energy Future

Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder and CEO of RichAfrica Consulting, shares insights on transforming Africa’s natural resource potential into sustainable economic growth. We explore investment opportunities in oil and gas, the Orange Basin, Namibia’s energy policy, ESG strategies, and how African countries can better leverage natural resources for long-term development.
12 Mar 1PM 38 min

Standard Bank Group Posts Strong 2025 Results

Standard Bank Group has closed 2025 on a strong note, reporting headline earnings of R49.2 billion and a return on equity of 19.3%, hitting the top end of its ROE target range. CEO Simpiwe “Sim” Tshabalala joins us to unpack the drivers behind the bank’s performance, including growth in digital…
12 Mar 1PM 11 min

South Africa’s Mining Sector Off to a Strong Start

Stats SA reports a 4.6% rise in mining output and a 31.7% jump in mineral sales year-on-year for January. Mining analyst Peter Major breaks down which minerals are driving growth, whether gains are linked to prices or volumes, and what these trends mean for investors and the South African economy.
12 Mar 1PM 11 min

INSIDE YOUR POCKET: Retirement Under Pressure: Rising Debt Among Older South Africans

As South Africa’s population ages, more seniors are turning to credit to cover everyday expenses. Andrew Fulton, Director at Eighty20, explores the financial realities for “Humble Elders” and “Comfortable Retirees,” why defaults among seniors are rising, and what this means for families, policymakers, and the broader economy.
12 Mar 1PM 13 min

Sanlam Delivers Strong 2025 Results and Pan-African Expansion

South Africa’s leading financial services group, Sanlam, achieved record new business of R496 billion, with net client cash flows more than doubling. CFO Abigail Mukhuba discusses the group’s operational performance, Pan-African growth strategy, strategic acquisitions like Assupol and Shriram Finance, the launch of the ZARU stablecoin, and how the company…
12 Mar 1PM 11 min
All episodes