Gauteng MEC Diale-Tlabela Sounds Alarm on Unroadworthy Taxis and Unlicensed Drivers Amid Crackdown

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has voiced deep worry over the taxi industry’s use of vehicles that are not fit for the road and drivers without proper licences, saying this puts everyone at risk. From 15 to 21 September 2025, the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) pulled over 65 minibuses with stop notices for being unroadworthy, taking them off the streets right away. Another 184 minibus drivers were caught without valid licences. “We have noted this trend developing in recent years.

I will be taking this up with leaders in the taxi industry to assist us in rooting out this practice. It is unacceptable and puts other road users in danger,” the MEC said on Wednesday. This comes from stepped-up stop-and-search operations by the GTI, part of a bigger push to fight crime, lawlessness, and make sure people follow traffic rules. In Gauteng, where taxis carry millions every day, these issues hit hard, leading to more accidents and deaths on busy roads.

The operations show the department’s drive to make public transport safer and stop damage to road setups. With over 2,886 fines given out that week, the crackdown is making a real difference, but it also points to bigger problems in the taxi world that need fixing with help from industry bosses.

MEC’s Strong Stance on Road Safety Risks

Diale-Tlabela made it clear that the growing number of unroadworthy taxis and unlicensed drivers is a big problem that has been building up. She plans to meet with taxi leaders to stamp out these bad habits. “It is unacceptable and puts other road users in danger,” she stressed. In a place like Gauteng, with heavy traffic and many commuters relying on taxis, unsafe vehicles can cause bad crashes. Stats from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) show that unroadworthy vehicles play a part in many road deaths each year, and unlicensed drivers often lack the skills to handle busy routes safely.

The MEC’s words come after reports of taxi bosses pushing back against rules, sometimes leading to strikes or violence. But she sees working together as the way forward to make sure taxis are safe and drivers are qualified.

Details of the GTI Operations: A Week of High-Impact Checks

The GTI ramped up its stop-and-search efforts as part of a plan to tackle crime and make roads safer. With 96 officers spread across the province, the unit focuses on spots where rules are often broken. These checks aim to stop unroadworthy vehicles, unlicensed drivers, and even vandalism of road signs or cables.
During the week of 15 to 21 September 2025, officers did thorough inspections, leading to quick action on bad vehicles. The operations also deter people from breaking laws, like stealing from road setups, which costs the province millions in fixes.

“The inspectorate’s presence and visibility on the roads are aimed at dealing with widespread non-compliant practices, whilst also deterring would-be offenders against road infrastructure vandalism and theft,” the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport said. This approach has shown results, with fewer unsafe taxis on the move.

Shocking Stats from the Crackdown

The numbers from the operations paint a worrying picture:

• 65 minibuses got discontinuation notices for being unroadworthy and were removed from the roads.
• 184 minibus drivers were found without valid licences.
• A total of 2,886 infringement notices were issued, including over 1,000 manual ones and 1,886 through the e-force electronic system.
  These violations covered everything from broken lights and tyres to serious licence issues. By taking these vehicles off the roads, the GTI is making a direct impact on safety, reducing the chance of accidents caused by faulty taxis or unskilled drivers.
  In past operations, like one in August 2025, the department impounded 16 vehicles for similar reasons, showing this is part of an ongoing effort to clean up the roads.
  Broader Implications: Working with the Taxi Industry for Change
  Diale-Tlabela believes talking to taxi leaders is key to fixing these problems. The industry, which moves about 15 million people daily in Gauteng, has faced issues like unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed drivers for years. Reports show over 50% of Gauteng taxi drivers lack operating licences, according to the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO).
  By partnering with SANTACO and others, the MEC aims to root out these practices. This could include better training, stricter checks for licences, and help for operators to get vehicles roadworthy. It’s also part of a bigger plan to reduce lawlessness, like taxi wars or forcing people to use certain services.
  The department sees the GTI as a success, with its work making roads safer. “By removing unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed, likely incompetent, drivers on the roads, the GTI is making measurable impact towards a safer public transport system and road networks in the province,” they said.

🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal

Download Here:

Direct PDF File Here:

https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf

Read all our publications on magzter:

https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues

Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content,  Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.

We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.

Advertisement:

To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za

For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za

Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za

General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za