Concerns regarding the suspension of taxi services have eased after the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and leaders of the provincial taxi industry reached an important agreement. The goal of this agreement is to resolve long-standing issues in the minivan sector and ensure the uninterrupted operation of public transport across the province.
Details of Negotiations and Objectives
The agreement was concluded during a meeting between the MEC for Roads and Transport of Gauteng, Kedibone Diala-Tlabla, and taxi industry leaders. Discussions focused on operational licenses, regulatory compliance, passenger safety, and overall sector stability.
Diala-Tlabla welcomed the results of the negotiations, noting that the achieved agreement demonstrates a collective commitment to protecting passengers while simultaneously addressing the challenges faced by the taxi industry. She stated: 'We welcome the spirit of cooperation demonstrated today. We remain committed to resolving all outstanding issues through constructive engagement in the best interests of passengers and residents of Gauteng.'
Priorities and Next Steps
The MEC emphasized that the continuity of public transport is crucial for the province's economy and the daily lives of millions of residents. She added that every passenger has the right to travel safely, freely, and without fear, and that they will continue to work closely with the taxi industry to create a system that is safe, reliable, accessible, and lawful.
Key outcomes of the meeting included reaching an agreement to hold regular structured meetings with periodic progress reviews to monitor the implementation of agreed measures. The parties also agreed to accelerate the processing of operational license applications, including pending verification and inheritance matters, and to introduce joint measures to address passenger safety issues, including allegations of intimidation and harassment.
Enhancing Transparency and Oversight
Diala-Tlabla reported that the department has issued over 3000 operational licenses since November 2025 due to improved internal capacity and optimization of administrative procedures. Furthermore, she noted increased direct engagement with taxi operators to improve oversight and better understand the difficulties facing the industry.
This agreement comes amid the provincial government's drive to enhance the reliability of public transport and resolve long-standing regulatory and operational problems within the taxi sector.
