By The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has taken another decisive step toward clearing its administrative backlogs and regulating the province’s public transport sector, issuing 572 valid operating licences in a single week.
The documents were handed over to compliant minibus taxi and scholar transport operators during twin ceremonies hosted on Wednesday, 19 August, and Friday, 21 August 2026, at the department’s Koedoespoort and Derek Masoek Regional Offices. Beneficiaries included operators from across the Cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, alongside the Sedibeng District.
This latest distribution pushes the total number of valid operating licences issued by the department to over 3,000 since November 2025. The sustained effort highlights a concerted drive to bolster administrative systems, improve turnaround times, and bring greater stability to the province’s transport network.
Legal Compliance and Economic Inclusion
Operating without proper authorization has long been a flashpoint for conflict and regulatory friction within the public transport landscape. Under Sections 54 and 62 of the National Land Transport Act (Act 5 of 2009), all operators offering passenger transport for a fee must hold a valid operating licence.
Welcoming the latest milestone, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, emphasized that regulatory compliance is directly linked to economic empowerment and passenger safety.
“An operating licence is not only a legal requirement; it provides operators with a legitimate platform to participate in the economy, sustain livelihoods, and contribute to a safe and regulated public transport system,” Diale-Tlabela noted, praising operators for their patience during ongoing system upgrades.
Collection Guidance for Outstanding Applicants
For operators who were unable to attend the recent ceremonies, the GDRT has outlined steps to collect their paperwork:
- Location: Visit the specific Transport Operating Licence Administrative Body (TOLAB) office where the original application was submitted to verify status and arrange collection.
- Required Documentation: Bring official proof of application (such as an application receipt) and a valid identity document copy to facilitate verification.
As Gauteng’s public transport network continues to expand under pressure to meet commuter demand, moving operators from informal status into a structured regulatory framework remains vital for the safety, predictability, and economic vitality of the region.
