By 
In a decisive move to uphold regulatory integrity and secure economic livelihoods within South Africa’s public transport sector, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has issued an urgent call to the families of deceased transport operators.
Beneficiaries of both minibus and metered taxi operations are being urged to officially apply for the transfer of valid operating licences to ensure full statutory compliance and preserve operational continuity.
The intervention comes after repeated efforts by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport to reach applicants and clients who have either failed to submit outstanding documentation or neglected to collect approved operating licences. Beyond simple administrative upkeep, the regularisation drive addresses a critical economic gap: ensuring that family-owned transport assets remain legally operational, protected, and fully integrated into the formal economy.
Transferring an operating licence is a vital statutory requirement designed to protect the rights of operators, commuters, and heirs, while safeguarding the overall transport regulatory network. When an operator passes away, unresolved licensing creates regulatory vulnerability, leaving businesses unable to operate legally, obtain vehicle fitness certificates, or secure insurance coverage.
Centralised Support via the Women’s Help Desk
To streamline the legal transition and remove procedural friction, the Department has leveraged its Public Transport Women’s Help Desk as a dedicated central support hub. Located at the corner of Village Main Road and Loveday Street in Wemmer, central Johannesburg (opposite the JMPD offices), the facility provides step-by-step guidance through the transfer process.
The Help Desk delivers legal and compliance support aligned with sector legislation, dispute resolution assistance for complex licence transfers, and access to broader business development resources and training opportunities.
Regulatory Framework and Requirements
To initiate the transfer process, applicants are required to present key identification and compliance documents alongside a non-refundable application fee of R600 per vehicle:
- Core Documentation: Identification documents for both the current holder and the new applicant (or corporate registration documents), the valid operating licence or copy, SARS tax compliance proof, an association letter (for minibus taxis), and an affidavit confirming the transfer.
- Deceased Estate Compliance: A death certificate, Letter of Executorship or Authority, ID of the executor/representative, marriage certificate (if applicable), and evidence that the operating licence remains actively in use.
Following preliminary approval, operators must submit standard vehicle registration papers, a valid Certificate of Fitness, and SARS clearance to finalize the transfer. All applications must be completed and signed in the presence of an authorised official, with the deceased operator’s ID number required to expedite verification.
MEC Diale-Tlabela urged affected families to utilize these available state resources: “We encourage clients and applicants to seize this opportunity by visiting the Public Transport Women’s Help Desk for guidance, advice and support throughout this process.”
Families seeking assistance can visit the Wemmer offices during regular office hours or contact the Help Desk directly on (011) 355 7484.
