Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has issued an urgent call to families of deceased public transport operators, urging them to apply for the transfer of valid operating licences without delay. The campaign, which covers both minibus taxi and metered taxi operators, is designed to ensure the province’s public transport system remains fully compliant with the law and to prevent legal gaps that could disrupt services or expose operators to penalties.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement in Johannesburg, Diale-Tlabela emphasised that the transfer process is not only a legal requirement but also a critical measure to protect the livelihoods of families who depend on public transport for their income. She noted that many families are unaware of the procedure or delay the application, leaving vehicles idle and licences unused while the industry faces increasing pressure from law enforcement.
The MEC announced that the Department of Roads and Transport has streamlined the transfer process to make it more accessible, with dedicated help desks at all licensing centres and a clear checklist of required documents. Families are encouraged to bring the deceased operator’s death certificate, the original operating licence, proof of vehicle ownership, and the applicant’s identity document to expedite the process.
“We cannot afford to have valid operating licences lapsing or falling into disuse simply because families do not know what steps to take,” Diale-Tlabela said. “This campaign is about ensuring that the public transport sector continues to serve our communities efficiently while upholding the rule of law.”
The call comes amid a broader push by the Gauteng government to improve compliance and safety in the province’s often-fractious minibus taxi industry, which carries the bulk of commuters daily. Transport authorities have warned that failure to timeously transfer licences could result in vehicles being impounded or operators being fined, adding further hardship to grieving families already navigating the loss of a loved one. The department has pledged to work closely with taxi associations and community leaders to spread awareness and ensure no family is left behind in the transition.
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