JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and the provincial taxi industry have reached an agreement aimed at resolving key challenges facing the minibus taxi sector and ensuring uninterrupted public transport services across the province.
The agreement was reached following a meeting between Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and taxi industry leaders to address longstanding issues affecting the sector, including operating licences, regulatory compliance, commuter safety and overall sector stability.
Welcoming the outcome of the discussions, Diale-Tlabela said cooperation between government and the taxi industry was essential to safeguarding public transport and supporting Gauteng’s economy.
“We welcome the spirit of cooperation demonstrated today. We remain committed to resolving all outstanding matters through constructive engagement in the best interests of commuters and the people of Gauteng,” the MEC said.
She said the agreement reflected a shared commitment to maintaining stability in the public transport sector while protecting commuters.
The parties agreed to continue structured engagements with regular progress reviews to monitor implementation of agreed interventions. They also committed to accelerating the resolution of operating licence applications, including verification and inheritance matters, and to jointly address commuter safety concerns, particularly allegations of intimidation and harassment.
According to the department, the agreement forms part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration between government and the taxi industry while improving service delivery.
“The provincial government and taxi leadership have recommitted to accountability and collaboration as we tackle the challenges facing the sector. Our shared goal is a safe, reliable, and accessible public transport system for all,” Diale-Tlabela said.
The MEC also highlighted progress in addressing the backlog of operating licences, revealing that the department has issued more than 3,000 licences since November 2025 following improvements in internal capacity and streamlined administrative processes.
She added that the department would continue strengthening direct engagement with taxi operators to improve oversight and gain a better understanding of the sector’s challenges.
The agreement is expected to provide greater certainty for commuters who rely on the province’s minibus taxi industry, with both government and industry leaders pledging to work together to ensure a safe, reliable and uninterrupted public transport system.