NW Transport admits to backlogs in operating permits

The Department of Transport in the North West reported having a backlog of nearly 5,000 operating permits in 2023. As of December 31, 2023, they had processed over 3,000 permits. Members of Moruleng District Taxi Association (MODITA) expressed their frustration with the department's slow processing of operating licenses. They are being fined by law enforcement for operating public transport without valid permits.

One operator stated, "I applied for a permit three years ago and went to a board meeting twice. For the third time, they told me to wait for 21 days, yet I have not received it." Another operator added, "This thing hurts us as every time I leave the house, I pray that nothing happens to the taxi or the passengers. I wish the government could assist us because we are indebted to the fines, while on the other hand, we pay for these taxis."

The Provincial Regulatory Entity within the Department of Transport also faced a backlog in processing permits due to system failures. As of December 31, 2023, there were 4,921 pending permits, with 3,368 adjudications completed and a remaining balance of 1,535 permits. Chairperson Phenye Vilakazi of the entity confirmed that they had adjudicated over 160 applications from MODITA, and all those adjudications were completed.