Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie is urging regulatory reform to explore the potential for the use of drones in South Africa.
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While addressing delegates at the Incorporating Drones and Robotics into Disaster Management and Humanitarian Aid conference in Cape Town, Mackenzie called for a more agile and accommodating aviation regulatory environment for the use of drones in disaster management, humanitarian aid, and several other sectors in the country.
‘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.’
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He outlined the areas in which South Africa’s regulatory framework is ‘hindering us from keeping up with global developments in the drone space’, stating that these areas include logistics, urban air mobility (‘flying car’) and last-mile drone delivery. The latter, he says, holds immense potential to transform the country’s mobility ecosystem.
‘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.
‘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.’
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Picture: Jakob Owens / Unsplash