South Africa strengthens global ties at CITA International Conference 2025

The Vehicle Testing Association (VTA) of South Africa, a constituent association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), reaffirmed its leadership and commitment to international standards in road safety and environmental protection with active participation in the CITA International Conference held in Istanbul, Turkey, in May 2025.

Chairperson Ferose Oaten and National Director Julian Pillay represented VTA at this year’s event themed “Forging Global Alliances for Safer Roads and a GreenerFuture.”

With nearly 400 road safety and regulatory experts from around the world inattendance, the conference offered a critical platform for engaging discussions onthe role of Periodic Technical Inspections (PTI), type approval, and compliancesystems in delivering long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits. CITAPresident Gerhard Müller opened the event with a powerful call to action, noting theurgent need to accelerate road safety and environmental goals in line with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030. “We must continue to emphasise the role of vehicle compliance to make our roads safer and cleaner,” he stated.

One of the major highlights of the Conference was the presentation of a studyshowcasing the success of Turkey’s PTI system, reinforcing the direct link betweenstructured vehicle inspections and improved road safety and emissions reduction.

Oaten played a key role, leading a focused session on vehicle compliancechallenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), drawing attention to theunique needs of South Africa and its regional neighbours. Her contributions werefurther recognised through her appointment as CITA Vice President Treasurer, asignificant milestone that elevates South Africa’s role in shaping global vehiclecompliance policy. Oaten will replace outgoing Vice President Treasurer, Mr. LotharGeilen, who is retiring marking a new chapter in CITA leadership. She will continueto serve Africa in her role as the Chair of the Regional Advisory Group for Africa(RAG Africa).

For South Africa, where over 13,000 road deaths occur annually, with at least 14% of accidents involving unroadworthy vehicles, the relevance of the event could not be clearer. The insights gained align closely with local objectives to modernise the country’s PTI framework. As highlighted in a post-conference report, the implementation of Section 138(k) of the National Road Traffic Act and expansion of PTI to private vehicles are critical next steps. Conference discussions also provided valuable guidance on adopting digital inspection platforms, emissions testing, and training initiatives.

South Africa can benefit immensely from the knowledge shared at CITA and theinternational momentum around roadworthiness testing. “This year’s CITAconference was not just about dialogue - it was about real, actionable strategies that South Africa can adopt to save lives, protect the environment, and support a modern vehicle compliance industry,” said Julian Pillay. “The connections built withstakeholders from these countries, especially with countries like Turkey andGermany, will play an instrumental role in the transformation of our national PTI system.”

Oaten concludes, “The Istanbul conference reaffirmed the value of internationalcollaboration and innovation in building safer and more sustainable transportsystems - an objective that VTA remains fully committed to advancing at home. CITA continues to be a powerful driver for positive change. Our engagement ensures South Africa is not only aligned with global best practice but also positioned to lead in vehicle safety reform across the African continent.”