Following the tragic minibus crash in Vanderbijlpark that claimed the lives of 14 children, scholar transport safety and compliance have come sharply into focus in Gauteng.

In response, more than 500 scholar transport operators gathered at the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s head office in Johannesburg to raise concerns about challenges surrounding the issuing of scholar transport operating licenses.

According to the department’s head of communications, Melitah Madiba, the engagement highlighted the urgency of resolving long-standing licensing issues that have prevented many operators from formalising and sustaining their operations within the sector.

Addressing the operators, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised and highlighted gaps in information regarding the application process and required documentation.

“To demonstrate the department’s commitment to strengthening regulation and improving service delivery, more than 1 000 operating licence application forms were issued to aspiring scholar transport operators, along with clear information on the list of requirements. This reaffirmed the department’s commitment to improving access, transparency and compliance within the sector,” Madiba said.

According to the National Land Traffic Act 5 (2009, sections 54 and 62), a public transport operator must be in possession of a valid operating licence in order to transport commuters for a fee on South Africa’s roads.

In her address, the MEC stressed that the Department is willing to work with scholar transport operators who genuinely want to regularise their operations. However, she emphasised that compliance with the law is not optional, describing scholar transport as a safety-critical service where the safety and dignity of learners remain non-negotiable.

She further cautioned against disruptions and shutdowns led by non-compliant operators.

“As a provincial government, we will not condone disruptions, shutdowns or intimidation aimed at forcing the department to overlook issues related to non-compliance. In many cases, resistance to compliance arises because vehicles or documentation do not meet the required standards. The law will be enforced without fear or favour,” emphasised MEC Diale-Tlabela.

“If you cannot meet the minimum legal requirements to safely transport learners, you have no business operating in this space. Our learners’ lives are not negotiable,” the MEC added.

The department reiterated that no operator may provide scholar transport services unlawfully, adding that enforcement operations will continue to intensify across the province to ensure compliance and safeguard learners and other road users.

The department further called on all scholar transport operators to act responsibly, work with the Department in good faith, and take immediate steps to regularise their operations.

Required documentation for Scholar Transport Operating Licence applications:

• Copy of the contract (for contracted services)
• Certified copy of South African identity document
• Certified copy of a valid driver’s licence and PrDP
• Valid police clearance certificate
• Certified copy of vehicle registration (CoR)
• Certified copy of roadworthy certificate (CoF)
• Original tax compliance status (SARS)
• Proof of residential address
• Recommendation letter from a school with original signature and school stamp
• List of learners with parents/guardian contact details
• Proof of insurance, including insurance indemnity cover
• Route description
• If a CK/business is used, ID copies of directors must be attached and all documents must reflect CK details
• Any additional documentation as prescribed by the department

Where to submit applications (in person during working hours):

• Tshwane Transport Operating License Administrative Bodies (TOLAB): 230 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Pretoria Central
• Johannesburg TOLAB: 45 Commissioner Street, Marshalltown
• Ekurhuleni TOLAB: 1 Hardach Street, Germiston
• West Rand TOLAB: Kagiso Drive and Mmusi Street, Kagiso
• Sedibeng TOLAB: 45 Commissioner Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg

The application fee is R600 per application. Parents, guardians and community members are urged to report reckless driving or unsafe scholar transport vehicles to the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate on 0800 428 8364.