JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng's taxi industry is locked in an escalating dispute with the provincial government over delays in the issuing of operating licences.
Taxi operators have warned that the situation could have serious consequences for both their businesses and the millions of commuters who rely on them every day.
They say the prolonged delays, coupled with what they describe as a lack of meaningful consultation, are placing immense financial pressure on the industry.
Without valid operating licences, taxi owners risk having their vehicles impounded by law enforcement, leaving them unable to work and earn an income.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) says the current licensing system is failing both operators and the commuting public.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Gauteng Department of Transport said the review of the licensing model was a necessary governance intervention, informed by concerns raised within the taxi industry.
Gauteng MEC for Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the interventions were a direct response to allegations of irregularities, inconsistent administrative practices and possible corruption within the system.
Diale-Tlabela said:
"We have a responsibility to act decisively to protect legitimate operators and restore public confidence."
She added that the department hands over operating licences to deserving operators every week.
Santaco spokesperson Graham Fritz alleged that licences are often held back for weeks before being released, creating unnecessary delays that affect operators' livelihoods.
Fritz claimed that licence collections are arranged at Diale-Tlabela's discretion, with operators receiving as little as one or two days' notice via SMS to collect their documents.
He said licences are distributed from only a limited number of licensing centres, forcing operators from distant parts of the province to travel long distances, often at significant cost.
According to Fritz, many operators cannot afford the travel expenses, making it difficult to collect their licences within the limited time provided.
He further alleged that operators had been warned that uncollected licences could be cancelled, raising fears that they would be unable to continue operating legally.
Santaco said that unless the licensing process is improved, the delays will continue to threaten the livelihoods of taxi operators while disrupting a transport system relied upon by millions of Gauteng residents.