The Gauteng taxi industry is embroiled in a growing dispute with the provincial government over delays in the issuing of operating licences, with operators warning that the backlog is placing their livelihoods and public transport services at risk.
Taxi operators say prolonged delays in receiving operating licences, coupled with what they describe as inadequate consultation, are creating severe financial strain across the industry.
Without valid licences, taxi owners risk having their vehicles impounded by law enforcement, preventing them from operating legally and earning an income.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has criticised the current licensing system, arguing that it is failing both taxi operators and the millions of commuters who depend on the industry every day.
However, the Gauteng Department of Transport has defended the process, saying the review of the licensing model is a necessary governance intervention aimed at addressing concerns raised from within the taxi industry itself.
In a statement issued on Monday, Gauteng MEC for Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the department's actions were prompted by allegations of irregularities, inconsistent administrative practices and possible corruption in the licensing system.
"We have a responsibility to act decisively to protect legitimate operators and restore public confidence," Diale-Tlabela said.
She added that the department continues to issue operating licences to qualifying operators on a weekly basis.
Santaco spokesperson Graham Fritz, however, disputed the department's claims, alleging that completed licences are often withheld for weeks before being released to operators.
Fritz said operators are frequently given only one or two days' notice via SMS to collect their licences, with collection dates allegedly determined at the discretion of the MEC.
He also criticised the limited number of licensing centres where documents can be collected, saying operators from distant parts of Gauteng are forced to travel long distances at considerable expense.
According to Fritz, many taxi owners cannot afford the travel costs, making it difficult to collect their licences within the short timeframe provided.
He further alleged that operators have been warned that licences not collected within the stipulated period could be cancelled, raising concerns that they may lose the ability to operate legally.
Santaco has called on the provincial government to improve the licensing process, warning that continued delays threaten the livelihoods of taxi operators and could negatively affect the public transport system relied upon by millions of Gauteng commuters.