As festive season road safety campaigns intensify nationwide, authorities have stepped up enforcement operations, resulting in dozens of unroadworthy vehicles being taken off the road.
In Gauteng, the provincial government has strengthened road safety enforcement through high-impact stop-and-search operations led by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), working alongside the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
It is highlighted that these operations form part of a coordinated strategy aimed at curbing lawlessness, combating criminal activity, and improving compliance with traffic legislation, particularly within the public transport sector.
Between December 8 and 14, 2025, intensified enforcement was carried out across the cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane, focusing on major public transport corridors during the long-week operational cycle.
Key outcomes of the Gauteng operations include: 64 unroadworthy minibuses discontinued from service:
• 89 vehicles issued with discontinuation notices for non-compliance
• Over 800 manual infringement notices issued
• 1 174 electronic infringement notices processed via GTI e-Force devices
• Two vehicles impounded for failing to meet road safety requirements
Further inspections revealed widespread non-compliance, with 168 minibus taxi drivers found operating without valid driving licences, while 147 minibuses were operating without valid licence discs.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, lauded enforcement teams, detailing that there will be zero tolerance for non-compliance.
“There will be zero tolerance for unroadworthy vehicles, reckless behaviour, or criminality on Gauteng’s roads. Our enforcement teams are acting decisively to protect commuters and ensure full compliance by public transport operators. Road safety is not negotiable, and those who undermine it will be dealt with without exception,” said Diale-Tlabela.
A similar enforcement drive was recorded in the Western Cape, where Traffic Law Enforcement significantly intensified operations between 8 and 14 December 2025 as part of the province’s festive season road safety campaign.
During this period, 119 arrests were made, including 81 for driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities reiterated that alcohol remains one of the leading contributors to serious and fatal road incidents, impairing judgement and increasing risky driving behaviour.
It also reported that 14 pedestrians lost their lives on Western Cape roads during the past week. Pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users, particularly when alcohol is involved and visibility is poor.
Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement conducted more than 200 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control operations, during which over 44,000 vehicles were stopped and checked.
In excess of 7 000 fines were issued for various traffic violations, including driver behaviour and vehicle fitness. Speeding remains a major concern, with over 250 speeding offences recorded. The highest speed detected was 163 km/h in a 120 km/h zone, underscoring continued disregard for speed limits.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku also warned that reckless behaviour continues to place lives at risk.
“As we move deeper into the festive season, our message remains clear: enforcement alone cannot save lives. Alcohol abuse, speeding, and irresponsible pedestrian behaviour continue to claim lives unnecessarily. We appeal to every road user to take personal responsibility and make safe choices so families are not left grieving during what should be a time of rest and celebration,” said Sileku.
Chief Director for Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout echoed the call for compliance, highlighting the scale of operations.
“Our traffic officers are visible across the province, working around the clock through roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed operations to protect all road users. However, enforcement can only go so far.”
Saturday Star