Gauteng taxi industry crackdown removes unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed drivers

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has raised concerns over the use of unroadworthy taxis and drivers operating without valid licences across the province.

Between September 15 and 21, 2025, the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) issued discontinuation notices for over 65 minibuses deemed unroadworthy, immediately removing them from the roads. A further 184 minibus drivers were found operating without valid licences.

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“We have noted this trend developing in recent years. I will be taking this up with leaders in the taxi industry to assist us in rooting out this practice. It is unacceptable and puts other road users in danger,” said the MEC on Wednesday.

During the same week, a total of 2,886 infringement notices were issued, including over 1,000 manual notices and 1,886 through the e-force electronic system. Violations ranged from vehicle defects to serious licensing offences.

The EMPD and GTI’s high-impact stop-and-search operations form part of a broader strategy to tackle criminality, lawlessness, and improve compliance with traffic and transport regulations.

“The inspectorate’s presence and visibility on the roads are aimed at dealing with widespread non-compliance, while also deterring would-be offenders against road infrastructure vandalism and theft,” the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport said.

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“With a complement of 96 officers deployed strategically across Gauteng, the unit is proving its effectiveness.

“By removing unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed drivers from the roads, the GTI is making measurable impact towards a safer public transport system and road networks in the province,” it added.