More than 400 valid public transport operating licences in Gauteng could be cancelled if operators fail to collect them before the deadline of Augustus 14.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, urged operators, particularly those in the minibus taxi and scholar transport sectors, to collect their operating licences without delay or risk having them cancelled.

The appeal follows significant improvements by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport to strengthen its internal operational capacity and streamline administrative processes, resulting in faster turnaround times for licence applications.

Despite these improvements, the department says more than 400 approved operating licences remain uncollected.

Operators who have received SMS notifications or have been informed through their transport associations have until August 14, to collect their licences. Failure to do so could result in the licences being cancelled, forcing operators to restart the application process in line with the relevant legislation.

Since November 2025, the department has prioritised the issuing of operating licences to qualifying public transport operators as part of its drive to reduce application backlogs and ensure that compliant operators can provide services legally.

During this period, more than 2,000 operating licences have been issued to compliant minibus taxi and scholar transport operators.

MEC Diale-Tlabela said the department remains committed to improving regulatory compliance while building 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 without delay so they can continue operating legally and contribute to safer roads across Gauteng,” she said.

As part of the ongoing initiative, the department issued 208 operating licences to compliant public transport operators at the Derek Masoek Regional Office in Johannesburg on July 10.

The department said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to improve service delivery, strengthen regulatory compliance and support a safe, reliable and efficient public transport system across Gauteng.

Operating licences are a legal requirement for public transport operators and play a vital role in ensuring that commuter services are provided within a regulated and sustainable transport sector.