Gauteng MEC warns compliance is not optional after 100 taxis found operating illegally

The Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate, in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation, conducted a week-long campaign against non-compliant taxi operators in August 2023. The operation focused on high-risk public transport corridors, targeting roadworthiness, valid documentation, driver compliance, and adherence to traffic and public transport legislation.

Regrettably, the inspectors uncovered a significant number of violations. Over 100 minibus taxi drivers were found operating vehicles without valid documentation, while more than 100 minibus taxis were identified as being without valid licence discs. Additionally, 49 taxi drivers were operating without valid driving licences.

Gauteng roads and transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela warned that compliance is not optional. The MEC stressed that this disregard for regulations jeopardizes road safety and reiterated that only licensed drivers should operate on public roads.

To combat this issue, the MEC has intensified efforts to engage with the taxi industry and implement interventions to stop this practice. As a result of the inspections, 11 minibuses were removed due to being unroadworthy and posing a safety risk to road users.

During the high-impact stop-and-search operations, one arrest for bribery was made in relation to alleged involvement in traffic violations and criminal conduct. The operations also led to 16 discontinuation notices being issued across the province, including in Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Sebokeng, and Mogale City.

The Inspectorate issued 544 handwritten Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences infringement notices in the course of the campaign. The MEC emphasized the #RemoveSkoroskoro campaign, which aims to change behavior and create a culture of compliance. She affirmed that the government will not compromise on road safety, as the safety of every passenger and road user remains a top priority.