{
  "id": 1911906,
  "title": "Gauteng MEC warns compliance is not optional after 100 taxis found operating illegally",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/gauteng-mec-warns-compliance-is-not-optional-after-100-taxis-found",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T10:19:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/gauteng-mec-warns-compliance-is-not-optional-after-100-taxis-found-operating-illegally/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nRegrettably, 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.\n\nGauteng 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.\n\nTo 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.\n\nDuring 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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "Inspectorate finds 46 minibuses operating without valid licence discs and 49 taxi drivers without valid driving licences.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}