Gauteng MEC defends licensing review, urges taxi operators to collect licences

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has defended a review of the province’s taxi operating licence system, saying the exercise is a governance intervention aimed at protecting legitimate operators and restoring public confidence.

Why the review is under way

MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela told stakeholders the review responds to concerns raised from within the taxi industry about the licensing model. The department said preliminary findings from the review have identified discrepancies requiring further verification, which the MEC described as reasons to strengthen oversight and systems integrity.

“These interventions are a direct response to allegations of irregularities, inconsistent administrative practices, and possible corruption within the system. We have a responsibility to act decisively to protect legitimate operators and restore public confidence,”

Engagement and accountability

The MEC said the department remains committed to a constructive and transparent partnership with organised taxi leadership and emphasised that ongoing engagements with operators and associations are aligned with the department’s constitutional and legislative mandate.

Structured engagements with the taxi industry, including quarterly meetings with provincial leadership, are in place, the MEC said, and government continues to prioritise dialogue as the primary mechanism for resolving challenges.

The department also said that while Transport Operating Licence Administrative Bodies (TOLABs) continue to execute their statutory responsibilities, the department retains overall accountability to ensure the licensing system remains lawful, transparent and free from irregularities.

Licence collection and warning to operators

The department said it hands over operating licences to deserving public transport operators on a weekly basis. The MEC appealed to operators who have applied for operating licences particularly minibus and scholar transport operators to collect their operating licences or risk cancellation.

Operators who have received SMSs or communication through their associations have until Friday, 14 August 2026 to collect their operating licences, the department said.