News Desk Reporter
A deal between the Gauteng government and the provincial taxi industry is expected to keep public transport running while efforts continue to resolve long-standing challenges affecting the sector.
The agreement was reached after Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela met taxi industry leaders to discuss issues including operating licences, regulatory compliance, commuter safety and the overall stability of the minibus taxi industry.
Diale-Tlabela said the meeting marked an important step towards resolving outstanding matters through ongoing dialogue rather than confrontation.
“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,” she said.
She said both government and the taxi industry recognised the importance of ensuring commuters continued to have access to reliable transport services.
“Uninterrupted public transport is critical to our economy and to the lives of our residents. Every commuter has the right to travel safely, freely, and without fear. We will continue working closely with the taxi industry to build a system that is safe, reliable, affordable, and compliant with the law.”
Among the decisions taken was a commitment to continue formal engagements between the department and taxi leaders, with regular meetings to assess progress and address emerging concerns.
The parties also agreed to prioritise outstanding operating licence applications, including verification and inheritance cases, while working together to improve commuter safety and tackle allegations of intimidation and harassment within the industry.
“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 said the department had issued more than 3,000 operating licences since November 2025 after improving internal processes and increasing its capacity to deal with applications.
She added that officials would strengthen engagement with taxi operators across the province to improve oversight and gain a clearer understanding of the challenges affecting the industry.
Commuters at the MTN Taxi Rank in Johannesburg welcomed the agreement, saying it had eased concerns over possible transport disruptions.
“I’m relieved they reached an agreement because many of us depend on taxis to get to work every day. Any disruption means arriving late, losing money and dealing with unnecessary stress. I hope both sides continue talking so commuters don’t end up paying the price,” said a commuter travelling to Sandton.
Another commuter travelling to Randburg said the agreement had brought peace of mind.
“This is good news for people like me who rely on taxis every day. We want to get to work and back home without worrying about strikes or disruptions. I’m happy they’ve found common ground, and I hope the agreement lasts,”