BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Safeguarding fairness in the transport industry is the main mandate government has given to the newly appointed Road Transportation Appeals Board (RTAB).
The appointment of the Appeals board was announced by Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, together with the appointment of the Road Transportation Board (RTB) on June 3, 2026 at Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) headquarters where Siphefu Shabalala retained his chairmanship.
The minister the stipulated the priorities for the newly established Road Transportation Appeals Board.
They are to hear and determine appeals arising from the decision of the Road Transportation Board. This must be done in a way to ensure fairness and accountability in decision making by the RTB; transparency and protection of applicants, permit holders and affected stakeholders.
“To achieve this feat, the Act provides that an operator registered under the Act does not qualify for appointment as either a Chairperson or member of the Appeals Board. Safeguard fairness within the road transportation regulation mechanism in determining whether to uphold, vary or overturn the decision of the RTB. The members of the Appeals Board must be of high integrity and conduct their work as meticulously as possible,” he said.
On impartiality and independence. He said this was a virtue that the Appeals Board must prioritise. This goes to the extent that in a matter a member has material interest, that member must recuse themselves from the proceedings.
“Certainty is engraved in the mandate of the Appeals Board such that the decisions made are final. This helps to bring finality in matters of applicants and permit holders,” said the minister.
The RTAB was appointed in terms of Section 9 of the Road Transportation Act, 2007 which reads;
Establishment and Constitution of the Road Transportation Appeal Board
9. (1) There is hereby established an Appeal Board to be known as the Road Transportation Appeal Board (hereinafter referred to in this Act as the Appeal Board) who shall serve for a period not exceeding three (3) years. (2) The Appeal Board shall consist of: (a) a Chairperson and Secretary who shall both be appointed by the Minister; and (b) three (3) members who shall be nominated by the National Transport Body.
(3) A person shall not qualify for appointment as Chairperson or member of the Appeal Board if he is an operator registered in terms of Part IV of this Act. (4) The Minister may appoint an alternative to a member of the Appeal Board.
The term of the Road Transportation Appeal Board shall be from April 2026 – March 2029.
THE ROAD TRANSPORTATION APPEALS BOARD 2026–2029
1 Shabalala Siphefu – Chairperson
2 Dlamini Sabatha – Secretary
3 Mamba Mandla – Member
4 Ntshalintshali Meshack – Member
5 Mavuso Sicelo – Member
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