Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has brought the long-delayed Civil Aviation Amendment Act, 2021, into effect, introducing changes aimed at strengthening aviation safety, security and environmental oversight.
According to BusinessTech, the Act took effect on 12 October 2026, more than four years after it was signed into law, following administrative delays.
The legislation provides for the operational independence of aircraft accident investigations and strengthens the role of the Aviation Safety Investigation Board. It also expands the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s environmental oversight responsibilities.
The South African government said the amendments are intended to improve the investigation of aircraft accidents and incidents while strengthening regulatory oversight.
Under the changes, aviation operators must “develop and implement” security programmes, rather than merely having them in place, BusinessTech reported.
The legislation also strengthens enforcement measures for regulatory breaches. Those convicted of certain offences could face fines of up to R50,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
Acts Online reported that the commencement of the Act addresses operational and administrative shortcomings that had prevented key aviation safety provisions from being fully implemented.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
