On Wednesday 1 November, Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie called for a more agile and accommodating aviation regulatory environment to unlock the potential for using drones in disaster management, humanitarian aid, and various other sectors in South Africa.
Minister Mackenzie highlighted the urgency of regulatory reform while addressing delegates at the ‘Incorporating Drones and Robotics into Disaster Management and Humanitarian Aid’ conference being hosted in Cape Town.
Minister Mackenzie appealed to aviation regulators at the conference, “There is SO MUCH potential for drones to transform mobility in this country. Let’s work together to unlock the immense potential of drones and robotics, ensuring that the Western Cape continues to be a hub for innovation and progress. To harness the potential of these technologies, it is crucial that our regulatory environment becomes more agile and accommodating.”
“About four months ago, I went to Bredasdorp to have a look at one of the largest drones in the world, destined to play a transformative role in providing aid to disaster-stricken places. This drone was fully funded by the Netherlands Government and only needed a testing facility, which was made available by the South African Air Force. However, the drone was unable to get a permit to operate in South Africa because our regulatory environment was not ready for it. Sadly, this drone – and all the jobs that come with it – has been taken to Kenya instead,” said Minister Mackenzie.
“In my capacity as the Provincial Minister of Mobility in the Western Cape, I want to assure you that I am ready to support you in resolving the regulatory issues related to drone use. It is in our collective interest to ensure that our province remains at the forefront of innovation and that these transformative technologies can be harnessed for the betterment of our province and South Africa,” said Mackenzie.
During the address, Minister Mackenzie outlined the areas where the South African regulatory framework is hindering us from keeping up with global developments in the drone space. These include logistics, urban air mobility (‘flying car’) and last-mile drone delivery, which have immense potential to transform our mobility ecosystem. South Africa cannot afford to lag behind in embracing these innovations.
Using the Drone for Accident Investigation and Road Safety https://t.co/YlXFV2fGg7 #ArriveAlive #Drones #CrashInvestigation pic.twitter.com/uZdx9Cjdff
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 2, 2023
