JOHANNESBURG – More than 400 minibus and scholarship transport licenses are at risk of being canceled due to non-payment.
Gauteng MEC for Road Transport Kedibonne Diale Traveler on Saturday 11 July 2026 appealed to operators who have applied for operating permits, particularly minibus and scholarship transport operators, to “collect operating permits or risk having them revoked.”
The MEC's call follows the ministry's significant progress in improving internal operational capabilities and streamlining administrative processes to reduce turnaround times.
“However, the ministry noted that despite considerable progress being made, more than 400 valid business licenses remain uncollected,” MEC Diale-Tlabela said.
“Telecom operators who receive communications via SMS or associations must collect a business license by Friday, August 14, 2026.
“If no action is taken within the stipulated period, the issued operating license may be revoked and the operator will have to restart the process in accordance with applicable law.
Since November 2025, the Department has prioritized the issuance of operating licenses to eligible public transport operators as part of the Department's efforts to reduce the backlog and ensure that compliant operators can operate legally.
During this period, more than 2,000 valid business licenses were handed over to compliant minibus taxi and scholarship transport operators.
MEC Diale-Tlabela reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to contributing to regulatory compliance and promoting a more efficient, transparent and responsive public transport system.
“We are calling on applicants, especially minibus and scholarship transport operators, to obtain operating permits,” the MEC said.
“We encourage them to obtain an operating license without delay so that they can continue to operate legally and contribute to safer roads across Gauteng.”
On Friday 10 July 2026, the Ministry issued 208 operating permits to compliant public transport operators at the Derek Masoke Regional Office in Johannesburg.
This ongoing effort is part of the Department's commitment to improving regulatory compliance, strengthening service delivery and supporting a safe, reliable and efficient public transport system across Gauteng.
Operating licenses play an important role in ensuring that public transport operators have the legal authority to provide services, while contributing to a well-regulated and sustainable transport sector that serves the needs of commuters in the state.
