Gauteng checks find more than 100 drivers without valid licences; dozens of minibuses unroadworthy

Traffic enforcement in Gauteng uncovered widespread licence and safety failures across public transport operators, with more than 100 drivers found to be operating without valid driving licences.

Key findings from the operation

The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) found 103 drivers operating without valid driving licences during the operation. Inspectors also discovered 56 minibuses operating without valid licence discs.

In addition, 17 minibus taxis were discontinued after being declared unroadworthy because they posed a safety risk to passengers and other road users.

Safety defects identified

Inspectors reported multiple critical safety issues on vehicles, including defective braking systems, worn tyres, non-functional headlights and brake lights, faulty indicators and other mechanical faults that rendered the vehicles unsafe for public roads.

Government response and industry engagement

Gauteng MEC for roads and transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela warned of the danger these conditions create.

“The sustained flagging of unlicensed drivers in the public transport sector continues to put commuters and other road users at unnecessary risk.”

Diale-Tlabela added that operating vehicles in the identified conditions is unacceptable.

“We reiterate this is unacceptable and compromises the province’s road safety efforts.”

She said engagements with the minibus-taxi industry were continuing to find a lasting solution and stop the trend.

Enforcement actions taken

GTI officers issued 809 written Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) infringement notices across the province and processed 1 278 electronic infringement notices via e-force devices.

Breakdown of some recorded infringement notices included: 21 in Tshwane, 23 in Mogale City, 355 in Ekurhuleni and 87 in Johannesburg. An additional 23 discontinuation notices were issued in the province: Ekhuruleni (1), Mogale City (3) and Johannesburg (19).

Enforcement stance

The MEC warned that GTI officers will take firm action against those who disregard the law.