MEC Diale-Tlabela reaffirms taxi industry collaboration and strengthened governance in operating licence system

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining a constructive and transparent partnership with the taxi industry, while strengthening governance within the operating licence system.

This follows concerns raised by the Gauteng Taxi Industry (GTI) regarding the department’s stakeholder engagement programme and the current operating licence issuing model.

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On July 20, the MEC hosted a media briefing at Gautrain Management Agency offices in Midrand to provide an update on progress made in addressing challenges within the minibus-taxi industry following a series of engagements conducted across various regions.

“The taxi industry remains a critical pillar in the provision of public transport services, moving millions of Gauteng residents daily,” said Diale-Tlabela at the briefing. “The department values its long-standing relationship with organised taxi leadership and remains committed to building a safe, reliable and commuter-centred public transport system.”

Diale-Tabela emphasised that ongoing engagements with taxi operators and associations across the province are fully aligned with the department’s constitutional and legislative mandate.

“As government, we are obligated to ensure an efficient, integrated and accountable public transport system. Our engagements with operators are aimed at strengthening communication, improving governance, and ensuring that government remains accessible to all stakeholders.”

The MEC highlighted that structured engagements with the taxi industry remain in place, including quarterly meetings with provincial leadership, and that government continues to prioritise dialogue as the primary mechanism for resolving challenges.

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On the issue of operating licences, Diale-Tabela clarified that the current review of the licensing model is a necessary governance intervention, informed by concerns raised within the industry itself. “These interventions are a direct response to allegations of irregularities, inconsistent administrative practices and possible corruption within the system. We have a responsibility to act decisively to protect legitimate operators and restore public confidence.”

Preliminary findings from the review process have already identified discrepancies requiring further verification, reinforcing the need for stronger oversight and improved systems integrity.

The MEC reiterated that while Transport Operating Licence Administrative Bodies continue to execute their statutory responsibilities, the department retains overall accountability to ensure that the licensing system remains lawful, transparent and free from irregularities.

On a weekly basis, the department hands over operating licences to deserving public transport operators in the province.

The MEC has once again appealed to operators who have applied for operating licences, particularly minibus and scholar transport operators, to collect their operating licences or risk cancellation.

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

Gauteng government and provincial taxi industry reach agreement to keep transport running.

Diale-Tlabela on July 23 met with the leadership of the GTI in Tshwane, where, following intensive discussions, an agreement was reached to resolve key challenges in the sector and ensure uninterrupted public transport services across the province.

The MEC met with taxi industry leaders to address critical issues affecting the minibus taxi sector, including operating licences, regulatory compliance, commuter safety, and sector stability.

Welcoming the outcomes of the meeting, Diale-Tlabela emphasised the central role of public transport in the province’s economy and daily life.

“We welcome the spirit of cooperation demonstrated today. We remain committed to resolving all outstanding matters through constructive engagement in the best interests of commuters and the people of Gauteng,” said the MEC.

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She added that the agreement reflects a shared commitment between government and the taxi industry to maintain stability and protect commuters.

“Uninterrupted public transport is critical to our economy and to the lives of our residents. Every commuter has the right to travel safely, freely, and without fear. We will continue working closely with the taxi industry to build a system that is safe, reliable, affordable, and compliant with the law.

“The provincial government and taxi leadership have recommitted to accountability and collaboration as we tackle the challenges facing the sector. Our shared goal is a safe, reliable, and accessible public transport system for all.”

On operating licences, the MEC indicated that the department has issued more than 3 000 licences since November 2025, following improvements in internal capacity and streamlined processes.

“The department is also strengthening direct engagement with operators to improve oversight and better understand sector challenges.”

Key agreements reached included:

• Ongoing structured engagements with regular progress reviews.
• Accelerated resolution of operating licence issuance, including verification and inheritance matters.
• Joint interventions to address commuter safety concerns, including allegations of intimidation and harassment.

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