Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has expressed concern that the taxi industry is using taxis that are unroadworthy and that its drivers are operating without valid driver’s licenses.
Between 15 and 21 September 2025, the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) issued over 65 minibuses with discontinuation notices for being unroadworthy, immediately removing them from the road.
A further 184 minibus drivers were found operating without valid driver’s licenses.
“We have noted this trend developing in recent years, I will be taking this up with leaders in the taxi industry to assist us in rooting out this practice. It is unacceptable and puts other road users in danger,” the MEC said on Wednesday.
During this week, a total of 2 886 infringement notices, comprising over 1000 manual notices and 1 886 through the e-force electronic system. These violations ranged from vehicle defects to serious licensing offences.
This is a result of the intensified its high-impact stop-and-search operations that are being conducted by the GTI as part of its broader commitment to tackle criminality, lawlessness and strengthen compliance with traffic and other regulations.
The inspectorate’s presence and visibility on the roads are aimed at dealing with widespread non-compliant practices, whilst also deterring would-be offenders against road infrastructure vandalism and theft.
“With a complement of 96 officers deployed strategically across Gauteng, the unit is proving its effectiveness. By removing unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed, likely incompetent, drivers on the roads, the GTI is making measurable impact towards a safer public transport system and road networks in the province,” the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport said. - SAnews.gov.za
