As safety efforts are being intensified countrywide to ensure the protection of learners, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has confirmed that there is currently no backlog in the processing of scholar transport operating permits.
The department has encouraged scholar transport operators to apply for operating permits and ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements, emphasising that learner safety remains a top priority.
According to the department, all complete and compliant applications are processed without delay, in line with its mandate to provide safe, legal and reliable transportation for learners across the province. Operators who have not yet applied, as well as those operating with expired or non-compliant permits, have been urged to regularise their operations immediately.
“There is no backlog in scholar transport operating licences. What we require is full compliance. Scholar transport is about the safety of our children, and we will continue to support operators who follow the law while taking firm action against non-compliance,” said Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
The department said it will continue rolling out awareness campaigns, engaging schools, and working closely with law enforcement agencies to strengthen regulation of the scholar transport sector, particularly in identified pressure areas.
Meanwhile, MEC Diale-Tlabela is also set to officiate the opening of the modernised Umphakathi Mall Smart Driver’s Licensing Centre (DLTC) in Randfontein on Thursday, 5 February 2026. Situated within the Rand West City Local Municipality, the new centre is expected to enhance vehicle and driver licensing services through improved efficiency, professionalism and customer convenience.
The launch forms part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s broader commitment to expanding access to quality licensing services, particularly in townships, informal settlements and hostels.
The department has once again called on scholar transport operators to work with government to help build a safe, compliant and dependable scholar transport system for learners in Gauteng.
Saturday Star