Gauteng MEC of Roads and Transport condemns mechanically unsafe public transport vehicles on roads
Operations also uncovered a widespread of traffic violations after 48 minibus taxi drivers were found operating without valid driving licences.
Gauteng's Roads and Transport MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has strongly criticized the use of mechanically unsafe public transport vehicles on the province's roads. Following a recent operation, over 60 taxis were removed from service due to serious mechanical issues such as faulty brakes, worn tyres, and defective lighting systems.
During the operation, conducted by the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate (GTI) in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), 14 minibuses were discontinued for their hazardous conditions.
MEC Diale-Tlabela emphasized that a vehicle posing a mechanical risk should not be permitted on Gauteng's roads, stating, "A public transport vehicle that is mechanically unsafe has no place on Gauteng’s roads." The operation also revealed widespread traffic violations, with 48 minibus taxi drivers found driving without valid licenses and 43 vehicles discovered without valid licence discs. As a result, 20 discontinuation notices were issued to noncompliant motorists.
MEC Diale-Tlabela expressed confidence in the department's commitment to road safety, asserting that the discontinuation of unroadworthy minibus taxis is not aimed at disrupting public transport but rather at preventing accidents and ensuring passenger safety. The #RemoveSkorokoro campaign, which ran from August 3 to 9, 2026, targeted high-risk public transport corridors in major metropolitan municipalities across Gauteng.
The MEC has continued to raise safety concerns within the industry and urged taxi associations to address the issue of incompetent or unlicensed drivers.
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