Strict safety measures introduced as Gauteng grants scholar transport compliance grace period

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has announced a temporary relaxation of passenger liability enforcement, giving scholar transport operators time to regularise their insurance policies — but with stricter safety monitoring measures now in place.

MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela met with operators in Soweto on Saturday, where discussions centred around compliance, learner safety, and restoring cooperation between government and the sector.

Despite the concession on passenger liability, the department made it clear that there will be zero tolerance for unroadworthy vehicles.

Operators were reminded that valid operating licences remain compulsory and that only vehicles meeting standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards may transport learners.

The MEC's spokesperson says to clamp down on illegal operations, operators must also provide official letters from schools confirming service agreements.

"The engagement placed strong emphasis on the mandatory possession of valid operating licenses, underscoring that no operator may transport learners without proper authorisation," the spokesperson stated. "During the engagement, MEC Diale-Tlabela stressed the importance of rebuilding trust and cooperation between government and the scholar transport sector."