Gauteng traffic authorities have uncovered a worrying trend in the province’s public transport sector after 48 minibus taxi drivers were caught operating without valid driving licences during a week-long enforcement blitz.
The violations were detected during high-impact stop-and-search operations conducted by the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate (GTI) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) between August 3 and 9 under the province’s RemoveSkorokoro campaign.
The discovery formed part of a broader crackdown targeting unsafe and non-compliant public transport operators along high-risk commuter routes across Gauteng.
The operation also resulted in 14 unroadworthy minibus taxis being removed from the roads after inspectors identified serious mechanical defects, including faulty brakes, worn tyres and defective lighting systems. Authorities further found that 43 vehicles were operating without valid licence discs.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the use of unlicensed drivers in the taxi industry poses a serious threat to road safety and undermines efforts to reduce crashes.
Through engagements with taxi associations, the MEC has repeatedly urged the industry to ensure that only qualified and licensed drivers are entrusted with transporting commuters.
“A public transport vehicle that is mechanically unsafe has no place on Gauteng’s roads. Discontinuing these vehicles is not about disrupting public transport; it is about preventing avoidable crashes and ensuring that every passenger who uses a public transport vehicle can do so with confidence that their safety is guaranteed,” said Diale-Tlabela.
More than 1,100 infringement notices were issued during the operation, including over 500 manual AARTO notices and 647 electronic fines generated through the GTI’s e-Force devices.
Diale-Tlabela said the enforcement results send a strong warning to motorists and public transport operators who disregard road traffic laws.
“The results send a clear message that lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated. Through sustained stop-and-search operations, we are identifying and removing unsafe vehicles, holding non-compliant motorists accountable, and strengthening adherence to road traffic laws,” she said.
The Department of Roads and Transport said it will continue working with law-enforcement partners to improve compliance, remove unsafe vehicles from the roads and strengthen safety within Gauteng’s public transport system.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
