The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is appealing to operators who have applied for operating licences, particularly minibus and scholar transport operators, to collect their operating licences or risk cancellation.

This follows the department’s significant progress in improving internal operational capacity and streamlining administrative processes to improve turnaround times.

The department has, however, noted that over 400 valid operating licences remain uncollected despite the considerable progress made.

Operators who have received SMSs or communication through their associations have until August 14 to collect their operating licences.

Failure to act within the stipulated period may result in the cancellation of the issued operating licence, requiring operators to restart the process in accordance with applicable legislation.

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Since November 2025, the department has prioritised issuing operating licences to qualifying public transport operators as part of its commitment to reducing the backlog and ensuring compliant operators can operate legally.

Over 2 000 valid operating licences have been handed over to compliant minibus taxi and scholar transport operators during the period.

Diale-Tlabela reiterated the department remains committed to contributing to regulatory compliance and facilitating a more efficient, transparent and responsive public transport system.

“We are calling on applicants, particularly minibus and scholar transport operators, to collect their operating licences.

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“We encourage them to collect their operating licences without delay, so they can continue to operate legally and contribute to safer roads across Gauteng,” said the MEC.

On July 10, the department issued 208 operating licences to compliant public transport operators at the Derek Masoek regional office in Johannesburg.

This ongoing initiative forms part of the department’s commitment to improving regulatory compliance, enhancing service delivery, and supporting a safe, reliable, and efficient public transport system across Gauteng.

Operating licences play a critical role in ensuring that public transport operators are legally authorised to provide services and in contributing to a well-regulated and sustainable transport sector that serves the needs of commuters across the province.