Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has issued a stern warning to scholar transport associations after many operators boycotted a key engagement meeting. The operators halted services due to payment issues but plan to resume on Monday. Officials emphasized the need for license compliance amid ongoing road safety concerns.
Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela addressed scholar transport associations following a boycott of a stakeholder engagement session on Saturday at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus. Many operators instructed their members not to attend, prompting the MEC's warning on the critical need for licensing and compliance to address road safety challenges.
Diale-Tlabela noted successful discussions with attending local associations. 'Part of them decided not to be part of this engagement, we just had successful engagements with the local associations that came today. We dealt with the issues that are of concern, we’re happy that they want to comply and we took them through some of the issues that they had as a problem,' she said. She highlighted concerns like police clearance requirements, which some operators view as redundant after initial applications for PRDT licenses. The department issued operating licenses during the meeting, particularly in Tshwane and Sedibeng, which are more compliant than Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg.
Department spokesperson Lesiba Mpya expressed disappointment over the low turnout. 'This is the platform given by government that they must come ventilate their issues, express where we’re able to find each other in terms of regulations,' Mpya stated. Operators raised issues including delays in operating licenses, unreasonable requirements, and vehicle impoundments for being un-roadworthy.
Meanwhile, small bus operators contracted to the Gauteng Department, who suspended services over non-payment, will resume on 16 February 2026. Gauteng Small Bus Operators Council Chairperson Jabulani Khumalo thanked Education MEC Matome Chiloane for intervening on November and December payments. 'I would like to thank Mr Matome Chiloane the MEC of Education for his intervention to make sure that the December and November payments are made. We also like to convey our sincere apologies to the parents and learners for all the inconvenience caused during our suspension of service,' Khumalo said.
