Seatbelts for motorhomes

Question

I notice that you have a seatbelt legislation in South Africa, but I have a question regarding motorhomes. I am going to South Africa in July with my wife and four children, and was considering to rent a motorhome. However, none of the ten-plus companies I have contacted have motorhomes equipped with seat belts for all the passengers. Is this not required? Are you planning to introduce such rules? We have previously rented motorhomes in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, all with six seatbelts installed.

Answer

The current legislation requires that any minibus, bus or goods vehicle of gross vehicle mass not exceeding 2500 kg, first registered on or after 1 January 1979, or of gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500 kg, first registered on or after 1 January 1987, must have at least a harness belt or three-point belt fitted for the driver, and if the front seat has seating accommodation for other persons, must have at least one other harness belt or three-point belt fitted.

There is no mention of any other seats (ie to the rear or in compartments in the rear if the vehicle) – so no, there are seatbelts required. If there are seats with fitted seatbelts, then these need to be worn.