In Johannesburg, the Gauteng roads and transport department has reduced a backlog in taxi operating licences by issuing more than 3,000 licences since November 2025, according to Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela. The taxi industry previously raised concerns regarding the slow issuing of operating licences and compliance documents. Department officials attribute the progress to improvements in administrative and internal capacity.
Gauteng Transport Department Reduces Operating Licence Backlog
According to MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, the department focused on resolving these well-pronounced challenges by improving internal administrative capacity. The department has successfully issued more than 3,000 operating licences since November 2025.
MEC Diale-Tlabela noted that the backlog on operating licences is now gone. Officials are currently issuing operating licences directly to individual operators throughout the province.
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Collaboration and Enforcement in the Gauteng Taxi Sector
Addressing the broader reception of regulatory oversight, MEC Diale-Tlabela pointed out societal contradictions regarding compliance and enforcement. According to the MEC, society generally asks for law enforcement to happen, but often resists it when enforcement actually takes place. The department partnered closely with the taxi industry to understand material contradictions and work through the administrative hurdles.
Describing the resolution of the backlog as a massive milestone, MEC Diale-Tlabela emphasized that the department worked collaboratively with industry stakeholders. This partnership ultimately allowed officials to clear out the delayed documents for individual operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the initial concerns in the taxi industry?
The taxi industry raised concerns over the slow issuing of operating licences and compliance documents.
How many operating licences has the department issued?
The department has given out more than 3,000 operating licences since November 2025.
Why was the department able to clear the backlog?
According to Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, the improvement stems from enhanced administrative and internal capacity within the department, alongside close partnerships with the industry.
How might closer partnerships between transport authorities and industry operators influence compliance and regulatory enforcement going forward?
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