Public transport operators in Pretoria are among those across Gauteng who have until August 14 to collect their operating licences or risk having them cancelled.
Failure to do so will require operators to restart the application process before they can legally operate again.
The Gauteng Department of Roads issued this warning, urging operators, especially minibus taxis and scholar transport, to collect licences before the deadline.
Spokesperson for the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Lesiba Mpya, said the department has more than 400 valid operating licences remaining uncollected despite significant improvements in its internal operations and efforts to reduce administrative backlogs.
He stated that operators who have received SMS notifications or communication through their transport associations have until August 14 to collect their licences.
“Those who fail to act within the stipulated period could have their issued operating licences cancelled and would be required to begin the application process again in line with the relevant legislation.
“Since November 2025, the department has prioritised issuing operating licences to qualifying public transport operators as part of its drive to reduce the backlog and ensure that compliant operators are able to operate legally,” he added.
More than 2 000 valid operating licences have already been handed over to compliant minibus taxi and scholar transport operators during this period.
Provincial MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said the department remains committed to improving regulatory compliance. The focus is to build a more efficient, transparent, and responsive public transport system.
She appealed to operators to collect their licences without delay.
“We are calling on applicants, particularly minibus and scholar transport operators, to collect their operating licences. We encourage them to collect their operating licences without delay so they can continue to operate legally and contribute to safer roads across Gauteng,” said Diale-Tlabela.
On July 10, the department issued 208 operating licences to compliant public transport operators at the Derek Masoek Regional Office in Johannesburg as part of the ongoing initiative.
According to the department, the programme forms part of its commitment to improving regulatory compliance, enhancing service delivery and supporting a safe, reliable and efficient public transport system across Gauteng.
“Operating licences play a critical role in ensuring that public transport operators are legally authorised to provide services while contributing to a well-regulated and sustainable transport sector that serves the needs of commuters throughout the province.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel
