Meta Description:
The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) has intensified road safety enforcement, removing 62 unroadworthy minibus taxis and issuing over 1,100 traffic notices across the province between 22 and 28 September 2025. The initiative supports the province’s zero-tolerance approach to unsafe public transport operations.
Gauteng Roads and Transport Intensifies Crackdown on Unroadworthy Vehicles in September 2025
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has ramped up its law enforcement campaign, targeting unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed drivers across the province. In a major operation led by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), authorities removed 62 unroadworthy minibus taxis from provincial roads between 22 and 28 September 2025.
This proactive measure forms part of the province’s ongoing road safety strategy to curb accidents, protect commuters, and restore discipline within the public transport sector.
Operation Overview: Week of 22–28 September 2025
During the week-long operation, the GTI deployed its 96-member enforcement team across high-risk transport corridors and taxi ranks in Gauteng. Officers conducted detailed vehicle inspections, license verifications, and compliance checks targeting public transport operators.
| Operation Summary (22–28 September 2025) | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total unroadworthy vehicles removed | 62 |
| Total traffic infringement notices issued | 1,104 |
| Manual notices | 469 |
| Electronic (E-force) notices | 635 |
| Drivers operating without valid licenses | 52 |
| Drivers without any driving license | 92 |
| GTI enforcement officers deployed | 96 |
Key Findings from the Enforcement Drive
The latest enforcement operations exposed alarming trends in the public transport industry. Officials discovered that several vehicles in operation posed severe mechanical and safety risks. Some of the most frequent violations included:
- Faulty braking systems compromising passenger and pedestrian safety.
- Malfunctioning lights and indicators, creating hazards during night travel.
- Expired or missing operating licenses, breaching transport regulations.
- Unlicensed and unqualified drivers, endangering commuter lives.
In addition, inspectors found that several vehicles lacked roadworthy certificates and proper documentation — clear signs of negligence and disregard for compliance laws.
MEC Diale-Tlabela: “Zero Tolerance for Lawlessness”
Commenting on the operation’s success, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, delivered a stern warning to non-compliant operators:
“Unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed drivers are nothing less than potential death traps, and they have no place on our roads. We will not tolerate such blatant disregard for the law.”
The MEC reiterated that the provincial government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to road lawlessness, especially in the public transport sector.
Useful Links:
She added that operators prioritizing profit over commuter safety will face strict enforcement actions — including vehicle impoundment, hefty fines, and potential license revocations.
GTI’s Role in Promoting Safer Roads
The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) serves as one of the province’s most impactful and specialized enforcement units. Comprising 96 highly trained traffic officers, the GTI focuses on:
| GTI Core Responsibilities | Impact on Road Safety |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Inspections | Identifies unroadworthy and non-compliant vehicles for removal. |
| Driver Licensing Enforcement | Ensures all operators are properly licensed and trained. |
| Public Transport Compliance | Monitors and regulates taxi and bus operations. |
| Accident Prevention Operations | Targets high-risk areas to reduce fatalities and serious crashes. |
| Public Awareness Campaigns | Educates commuters and drivers on traffic safety laws. |
Since its formation, the GTI has been pivotal in improving traffic law compliance, reducing road accidents, and enhancing commuter safety across Gauteng’s busiest routes.
Strengthening Compliance in the Public Transport Sector
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) emphasized that these enforcement operations are part of a broader provincial safety strategy. The department aims to restore discipline and accountability in public transport by addressing recurring issues such as:
- Illegal taxi operations
- Overloading
- Vehicle neglect and non-maintenance
- Driver fatigue and non-compliance
Through the GTI, the department continues to intensify random inspections, collaborate with local law enforcement agencies, and engage directly with transport associations to promote responsible conduct among operators.
Community and Commuter Reactions
Commuters have expressed growing confidence in the government’s commitment to safety enforcement. Many passengers report feeling safer knowing that unroadworthy vehicles are being systematically removed from circulation.
Local commuter associations have also welcomed the GTI’s actions, noting that these interventions contribute to reducing road fatalities and improving service quality in the taxi industry.
Road Safety and the Provincial Vision
The Gauteng Provincial Government has positioned road safety as a central pillar of its Transport and Mobility Vision 2030, which aims to create a safe, efficient, and modern transport system.
This latest crackdown aligns with the broader objectives of the vision, including:
- Reducing road fatalities by 50% by 2030.
- Ensuring 100% compliance among registered public transport operators.
- Increasing collaboration with municipal traffic units and law enforcement agencies.
The department continues to invest in digital monitoring systems, such as the e-force electronic platform, to improve enforcement efficiency and accuracy in data recording.
Public Advisory: Encouraging Safe Transport Choices
The Department urges commuters to avoid boarding unlicensed or visibly unsafe vehicles. Passengers are encouraged to report unroadworthy taxis or reckless drivers through official transport hotlines or local authorities.
By fostering a culture of accountability, the department hopes to build a partnership between citizens, transport operators, and government institutions to keep Gauteng’s roads safe.
Enforcement Impact: A Step Toward Safer Mobility
The removal of 62 unroadworthy vehicles and issuance of over 1,100 fines within a single week demonstrates the government’s renewed commitment to road safety.
These results underscore the effectiveness of targeted enforcement and data-driven inspection models introduced by the GTI.
As these operations continue, both public transport operators and commuters can expect stricter checks, more visibility of law enforcement, and improved road safety outcomes in the coming months.
Contact Information for Media and Public Enquiries
| Official | Position | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. King Mthombeni | Media Enquiries | Cell: 071 400 0915 |
| Ms. Melitah Madiba | Head of Communications, Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport | Cell: 073 644 9935 |
| Mr. Lesiba Mpya | Spokesperson, MEC for Roads and Transport | Cell: 078 450 9841 |
| GPDRT Press Office | pressoffice.gpdrt@gauteng.gov.za |
Conclusion
The Gauteng Roads and Transport Department’s crackdown marks a decisive move toward reclaiming safety and order on the province’s roads. By removing unroadworthy vehicles and penalizing unlicensed drivers, the department sends a clear message: road safety is non-negotiable.
This initiative not only safeguards commuters but also reinforces public confidence in the province’s transport governance — proving that a safer, more compliant transport sector is achievable through consistent enforcement and collaboration.
