The recent tragedy in the Vaal, where 14 children died in a scholar transport accident involving a driver with an expired professional driving permit (PrDP) and a history of traffic violations, has placed renewed focus on the safety and regulation of scholar transport services across Gauteng.
In response, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) conducted a major public transport enforcement operation in Diepsloot on January 26, targeting both commuter taxis and scholar transport vehicles to safeguard learners and other road users.
Read more: JMPD steps up learner transport safety checks in Diepsloot
Led by JMPD director Angie Mokasi, the operation revealed widespread non-compliance. Offences included expired vehicle licences, drivers without valid driving licences, and operators lacking the required PrDPs. “As a result of these findings, 21 vehicles were impounded and numerous citations and discontinuity notices were issued to non-compliant operators,” read the JMPD statement.
Learners found in unsafe vehicles were removed immediately. To ensure their education was not disrupted, JMPD officers transported affected learners to their schools, ensuring they arrived safely and on time.
Meanwhile, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela addressed scholar transport operators, acknowledging concerns around access to information and gaps in understanding the operating licence application process.
Also read: UPDATE: Johannesburg Roads Agency again warns residents against fixing roads
To improve compliance and service delivery, the department of roads and transport issued more than 1 000 operating licence application forms to aspiring scholar transport operators, and provided clear guidance on application requirements.
Diale-Tlabela stressed that while the department is willing to work with operators seeking to regularise their operations, compliance with the law is not optional.
“Scholar transport is a safety-critical service, and the safety and dignity of our learners remains non-negotiable.” She added that enforcement would continue without fear or favour, stressing that operators who cannot meet minimum legal and safety requirements have no place in the sector.
Required documentation for scholar transport operating licence applications:
• Copy of the contract (for purposes of
contracted services),
• Certified copy of SA Identity Document
and valid driver’s licence/PrDP,
• Valid police clearance certificate,
• Certified copy of vehicle registration and
roadworthy certificate,
• Original tax compliance status,
• 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, and
• Route description.
Should a CK/business be used, attach ID copies of directors, and all documents must reflect the CK details, eg, SARS documentation, along with any additional documentation as prescribed by the department.
Applications must be submitted, in person, to the Transport Operating Licensing Administrative Body offices during working hours at R600 per application.
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