![President Cyril Ramaphosa, joined by the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, signing into law the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill which directs the transformation of the South Africa’s health care system to achieve universal coverage for health services and, through this, overcome critical socio-economic imbalances and inequities of the past.[Photo: GCIS]](https://theafricadailypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/53725200129_4d6ffc8abc_k-860x597.jpg)
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed three significant bills into law, aiming to enhance transport regulation and municipal fiscal powers in South Africa. The newly enacted laws are the National Land Transport Amendment Bill, the Economic Regulation of Transport Bill, and the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Amendment Bill.
These legislative changes are expected to have immediate impacts. The National Land Transport Amendment Bill, after revisions, updates the 2009 Act to include non-motorized and accessible transport options and provides new powers to provinces and municipalities for public transport services. It also expands the Minister’s regulatory authority and introduces safety measures.
The Economic Regulation of Transport Bill seeks to boost economic growth by establishing a Transport Economic Regulator. This body will oversee price regulation, address complaints, and enforce compliance within the transport sector, thereby aiming to create a more efficient and productive industry.
Additionally, the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Amendment Bill will allow municipalities to levy development charges on land development applications. It establishes a system for imposing such levies as a condition for approval and authorizes municipalities to impose taxes, levies, and duties in line with national legislation.
