SEDIBENG.- The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) handed over two hundred and eleven (211) valid operating licenses to compliant operators as part of its Special Operating License Handover ceremonies that took place between Wednesday, 12 and the deadline date of Friday.

The handover ceremonies, covering Cities of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane and Sedibeng District, served to enable compliant public transport operators to collect their approved operating licences before the collection deadline.

Uncollected licenses will be in line for cancellation.

The department said that uncollected licenses, all one hundred and eight (108), will be in line for cancellation subject to applicable administrative processes in line with the relevant legislative framework.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, thanked all operators for their patience and understanding as the department is making significant progress in improving and streamlining internal administrative and operational processes to improve turnaround times.

An operating licence is necessary for public transport operators to be able to use South African roads and transport citizens for a fee.

“These ceremonies were more than just formalities but served as testament to our commitment to rebuilding a licensing system that is efficient, transparent and fair. The new processes have greatly facilitated the Department’s contribution to regulatory compliance, enhancing service delivery, and supporting a safe, reliable, and efficient public transport system across the province,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela.

She added that her department “remains committed to restore order within the public transport sector, improving service standards and fostering a culture of compliance amongst operators”.

Acknowledging the economic importance of having a valid document, MEC Diale-Tlabela noted that the “possession of a valid operating license also serves as a tool of economic participation and emancipation”.

By law, an operating license is necessary for public transport operators to be able to use South African roads and transport citizens for a fee. The National Land Transport Act 5 (2009 – s54 and 62) requires that an operator be in possession of an operating license.

To accommodate those who could not collect their operating licenses, the department is appealing to operators to visit their nearest TOLAB office where they applied and bring proof (application receipt or ID copy) to check the status of their applications.

Below are TOLAB offices:

Johannesburg/Sedibeng Region:

Address: Life Centre Building, 45 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg

Tshwane Region:

Address: 230 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Pretoria Central

Ekurhuleni Region:

Address: 01 Hardach Street, Germiston

West Rand Region: Venue: Corner Kagiso Drive and Moses Street