Key Takeaways:
- Over 500 scholar transport providers gathered to raise concerns about delays in obtaining operating licenses
- The Gauteng roads and transport department addressed the issues and provided a clear list of required documents for licensing
- The department aims to improve access, transparency, and compliance in the sector
- Operators must comply with the National Land Traffic Act and obtain a valid operating license to carry passengers for a fee
- The department will enforce the law without fear or favor and will not tolerate shutdowns or intimidation by non-compliant operators
Introduction to the Issue
The Gauteng roads and transport department recently held a meeting with over 500 scholar transport providers at their head office in Johannesburg. The meeting was convened to address the long-standing issues that have made it difficult for many operators to formalize their services. The providers had gathered to raise concerns about delays in obtaining operating licenses, which are required by law to transport pupils. The meeting was an opportunity for the department to listen to the concerns of the operators and provide clarity on the application process and required documents.
The Department’s Response
Roads and transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela addressed the crowd and acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised by the operators. She pointed out that there were gaps in information regarding the application process and required documents, which had contributed to the delays. To help resolve the matter, the department handed out over 1,000 operating license forms and provided a clear list of what documents are needed. The list includes a copy of the contract, a certified copy of the operator’s South African identity document, a certified copy of a valid driver’s license or professional driving permit, and other relevant documents. The department’s efforts aim to improve access, transparency, and compliance in the sector.
Requirements for Licensing
The department’s list of required documents is comprehensive and includes all the necessary information that operators need to provide to obtain a valid operating license. The list includes a certified copy of the vehicle registration, a certified copy of the roadworthy certificate, an original tax compliance status, proof of residential address, and a recommendation letter from a school, among other documents. The department also requires operators to provide proof of insurance, including insurance indemnity cover, and a route description. The list of required documents is designed to ensure that operators meet the minimum legal requirements to safely transport learners.
Enforcement and Compliance
The National Land Traffic Act requires all public transport operators to have a valid operating license to carry passengers for a fee. The department is committed to enforcing the law and ensuring that all operators comply with the requirements. The MEC warned that the province would not tolerate shutdowns or intimidation by operators who are not compliant. The department will continue to conduct enforcement operations across the province to ensure pupils’ safety and legal compliance. Operators who are found to be non-compliant will face the consequences, and the department will not hesitate to take action against those who fail to meet the minimum legal requirements.
Submission of Applications and Reporting of Incidents
Operators are urged to submit their applications in person at any of the five Transport Operating Licensing Administrative Board offices in Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, West Rand, or Sedibeng. A fee of R600 is charged per application. Parents and community members are encouraged to report reckless or unsafe scholar transport vehicles to the Gauteng traffic inspectorate on 0800-428-8364. The department is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of learners and will take all necessary steps to prevent accidents and ensure that operators comply with the law.
Conclusion
The meeting between the Gauteng roads and transport department and the scholar transport providers was a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issues in the sector. The department’s efforts to improve access, transparency, and compliance are commendable, and the provision of a clear list of required documents will help to streamline the application process. The department’s commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring compliance is essential to ensuring the safety and dignity of learners. As the department continues to work with operators to regularize their operations, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to ensure that the sector is safe, efficient, and compliant with the law.
