MEC Diale-Tlabela continues engagement with VBDTA in Ekurhuleni
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, continued her engagement sessions with members of the Vosloorus, Boksburg and Districts Taxi Association (VBDTA) at the Boksburg Pink Hall in Boksburg, City of Ekurhuleni, yesterday on Thursday, 16 July 2026.
The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport to promote regulatory compliance, strengthen collaboration, and improve overall public transport services.
MEC Diale-Tlabela emphasised that these are premised on partnership rather than enforcement, and that this approach forms part of a broader effort to stabilise the industry, address long-standing disputes, and rebuild trust.
The Department began these engagements in Ekurhuleni, meeting taxi operators within their structures and associations to better understand their challenges and jointly develop practical, workable solutions.
In recent weeks, targeted engagements have been held with various taxi associations in Ekurhuleni, including with Greater Alberton, Benoni and Zonkizizwe Taxi Associations.
MEC Diale-Tlabela appealed for an end to conflict, and for work to begin towards a safer and reliable public transport sector.
She emphasised the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, as well as professionalism and cooperation both within individual associations and among taxi associations across the city.
Operators also raised matters related to delays in operating licence issuance, vehicle impoundment by traffic law enforcement agencies, taxi recapitalization, and illegal operations.
In her response, the MEC committed to look into these issues and reiterated the Department’s stance to root out illegal operations, promote accountability and to improve service delivery across the sector.
She further advised operators to provide a professional, safe and reliable service as “commuters’ needs must guide everything you do.”
“Addressing the issue of illegal operations remains a priority for the Department, with us adopting a supportive and practical approach,” added the MEC.
The Department officials provided information on compliance requirements, the taxi scrapping process, operating licences, and other transport-related services aimed at supporting operators.
MEC Diale-Tlabela also handed over the operating licences as a commitment by the Department to enhance regulatory compliance, reduce illegal operations and conflicts.
By law, an operating licence is necessary for public transport operators to be able to use South African roads and transport citizens for a fee. The National Land Traffic Act 5 (2009 - s54 and 62) requires that an operator be in possession of an operating licence.
She added, “the Department’s efforts to improve operational capacity and streamline administrative processes is beginning to bear fruit. However, over four hundred valid operating licenses remain uncollected and risk being cancelled. Kindly visit our TOLAB regional offices to check on the statuses of your applications.”
The MEC further committed to continue with these engagements as a constructive platform to highlight positives and challenges faced by the sector.
For more information, contact the Department’s Head of Communications Ms Melitah Madiba on 073 644 9935 or MEC’s Spokesperson Mr Lesiba Mpya on 078 450 9841 or email pressoffice.gpdrt@gauteng.gov.za
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