Drone Legislation in South Africa: The Complete Guide

South Africa was one of the first African countries to implement comprehensive regulations for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. Administered by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) , this legislation aims to ensure airspace safety, public safety, and respect for privacy. Understanding these rules is essential for all pilots, whether amateur or professional.

The Key Distinction: Recreational vs. Commercial Use

South African law (Part 101 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations) makes a fundamental distinction between two types of use, each with its own rules and requirements.

1. Recreational and Private Use (Hobby)

If you use your drone solely for pleasure, without any form of remuneration (including the sale of photos or videos), you are operating within a recreational framework. No license is required, but you must strictly adhere to the following conditions:

• The drone must weigh less than 7 kg.
• The flight must be conducted within visual line of sight (VLOS) , which means that you must always be able to see the aircraft with the naked eye.
• The flight altitude must not exceed 120 meters (400 feet) above the ground.
• You must operate more than 10 km from an airport or heliport.
• It is forbidden to fly over people, public roads, or private property without the explicit permission of the owner. A safety distance of 50 meters must be maintained.
• Flights at night or in adverse weather conditions are prohibited.
• Flying over national parks (such as Kruger National Park), nature reserves and strategic sites (power stations, prisons, etc.) is strictly prohibited without special authorization.

2. Commercial, Corporate or Research Use

As soon as a drone operation involves any form of commercial gain, scientific research, or is conducted on behalf of a company (even for internal inspections), the rules become considerably stricter. In this case, the pilot and operator must obtain several certifications from the SACAA.

1. Drone Registration: Every drone used for commercial purposes must be registered with the SACAA and have a registration certificate.
2. Remote Pilot Licence (RPL): The pilot must complete theoretical and practical training at a flight school approved by the SACAA, pass a written exam, a flight skills test and a medical exam to obtain their licence.
3. RPA Operator’s Certificate (ROC): The company or entity operating drones must hold an ROC. This is the most complex authorization to obtain, as it requires the drafting of detailed operating manuals, the implementation of safety management systems, and proof of compliance with strict standards.

Any commercial transaction without these certifications is illegal and punishable by heavy fines, or even prison sentences.

Security and Confidentiality Rules You Should Never Forget

Beyond the distinction between recreational and commercial use, SACAA emphasizes fundamental principles that apply to all flights:

• Respect for privacy: It is illegal to use a drone to film or photograph people or private property without their consent. The Personal Information Protection Act (POPIA) fully applies.
• No-Fly Zones: Always be aware of no-fly zones. These include airports, power plants, prisons, police stations, courthouses, and major public events. Apps like AirMap can help identify these zones.
• Priority to air traffic: Drones must always give way to manned aircraft (planes, helicopters, gliders).

Conclusion: Flying a drone in South Africa, with its spectacular landscapes, is a fantastic experience. However, the country’s approach is focused on responsibility and safety . Failure to comply with regulations can have serious consequences. Before taking off, always check the latest updates on the official SACAA website. If in doubt, err on the side of caution: do not fly.