Gauteng scholar transport operators celebrate permits amid growing tensions

In a mix of celebration and frustration, Gauteng scholar transport operators gathered at the provincial offices on Commissioner Street this week to collect operating permits, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in the sector.

Relief for some, but frustrations linger

For operators like Thulani Hlengwa of Ekurhuleni, the day brought a sense of freedom. Receiving his third permit, Hlengwa said it removed the constant worry of being stopped by law enforcement.

“Having an operating permit gives one freedom as it eliminates fear of being stopped by the cops on the road,” he explained.

Similarly, Sizwe Simelane, who manages five vehicles, emphasised the peace of mind permits provide to his drivers.

“This is not my first operating permit. Having such a permit gives my drivers peace of mind. I love the fact that it did not take that long for my operating permit to be approved,” he said.

These personal victories illustrate why many operators have been pushing for streamlined processes in Gauteng a sector long plagued by bureaucratic delays and inconsistent regulations.

A divide emerges among operators

Yet not everyone shares the celebratory mood. Thabo Sikwamisa, chairperson of the Greater Gauteng Learner Organisation (GGLTO), accused the department of unfair practices.

“The department appears to be applying different requirements across the province, which creates confusion and inconsistency,” he said, citing frustration over changing rules and lack of consultation.

Sikwamisa also noted that protests have erupted, including a march to Liberty Gardens and another to Mary Fitzgerald Square last month, where operators handed a memorandum to MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela. He stressed that only a few associations were included in departmental engagements, leaving many operators feeling sidelined.

Department defends its process

In response, departmental spokesperson Lesiba Mpya stressed that the permit process aims to ensure fairness and transparency.

“We have been transparent and open about this process as we can be. We dispute claims being made by some of these scholar transport operators that the transport lacks transparency,” Mpya said.

He added that the department has been visiting districts across the province and has already processed over 1,500 scholar transport applications in addition to regular taxi operators. This week, at least 161 operators received permits, with more expected during the MEC’s visit to Tshwane.

Safety concerns cast a shadow

While permits bring regulatory recognition, safety remains a pressing concern. On Tuesday morning, a scholar transport mini-bus collided with a bakkie on the Leondale–Katlehong route near Katlehong Technical College.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but eight learners were injured, with four reported in critical condition.

“At all times, when scholar transporters are involved in an accident, it is unfortunate,” Mpya said, noting the department’s ongoing concern for learner safety.

This incident follows the tragic January Vanderbijlpark accident that claimed 11 lives, keeping road safety at the forefront of public discussion. Ayanda Dludla, the 22-year-old driver involved, faces multiple serious charges, further intensifying the sector’s scrutiny.

The mixed emotions on Commissioner Street reflect a sector at a crossroads. While permits provide operators with legitimacy and protection, inconsistent rules, protests, and ongoing safety concerns underscore the challenges ahead.

For many, the hope is that these new permits mark not just regulatory compliance, but a renewed focus on fairness, accountability, and most importantly, the safe transport of Gauteng’s learners.

{Source: IOL}

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