Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has issued a stern warning that operating licences will be revoked for taxi operators found involved in criminal activities. The announcement on 12 September 2026 follows reports of intimidation, threats, and extortion within the province’s public transport sector.

The matter has been referred to the Provincial Taxi Task Team for investigation. Diale-Tlabela stressed that there is no place for criminality in the industry and urged stakeholders to resolve disputes through established structures rather than coercion.

MEC Warns Of Licence Revocations

Departmental spokesperson Lesiba Mpya confirmed that the MEC had directed officials to pursue all legal processes against licence holders engaged in unlawful conduct. This includes the immediate pursuit of operating licence revocations where evidence supports such action.

“The MEC has further emphasised that where unlawful conduct involves a holder of an operating licence, the department will pursue all applicable legal processes to ensure that the operator’s licence is revoked or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law,” said Mpya.

The department made clear that intimidation cannot be allowed to destabilise the taxi industry. Mpya reiterated that the province will act decisively to uphold the rule of law.

“Intimidation and coercion cannot be allowed to undermine the stability of the industry,” Mpya added.

Broader Crackdown On Taxi Lawlessness

The MEC’s vow comes amid an intensified enforcement campaign across Gauteng. In the first week of September alone, the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate discovered 56 minibuses without valid licence discs and 103 drivers who did not hold driving licences, while 17 unroadworthy vehicles were withdrawn from service.

This follows similar blitzes in August that saw more than 100 taxis taken off the roads. At the time, Diale-Tlabela described the situation as a “crisis of lawlessness” and underscored the need for urgent corrective measures.

The #RemoveSkorokoro campaign forms part of a sustained effort to rid the roads of unsafe and non-compliant taxis. The department intends to continue heightened inspections and administrative actions against operators who flout regulations.

The taxi industry serves as a lifeline for millions of commuters in the province, heightening the urgency of restoring order. The next meeting of the Provincial Taxi Task Team is expected to review the referred cases and recommend further enforcement steps, including potential licence revocations.