By Staff Writer
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ms Kedibone Diale Tlabela has called on prospective public transport operators to first apply and acquire valid operating licences prior to resuming services to avoid impoundments and conducting operations illegally. 
The call comes after the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE), an entity of the Department of Roads and Transport, met representatives from WANATU e-hailing services, on Friday, 07 February 2025, to engage on regulatory and compliance matters related to public transport services.
Departmental officials were joined by their counterparts from the City of Tshwane's Public Transport Operations, in a bid to assist WANATU, an Afrikaans e-hailing service company to comply with regulations.
The meeting comes after Tshwane's Metropolitan Police Department impounded two WANATU vehicles on Wednesday, 05 February 2025 for allegedly operating without the required operating licenses.
According to the National Land Traffic Act 5 (2009, section 54 and 62), a public transport operator must be in possession of a valid operating licence, allowing him/her to convey commuters for a fee on public roads.
Directing her appeal to operators, MEC Diale Tlabela called on all prospective public transport operators to apply and acquire valid operating licences prior to purchasing vehicles and resuming services. She added this requirement would assist in avoiding impoundments and conducting operations illegally. 
"The provincial government wishes to advise members of the public to apply for operating license first before purchasing vehicles to resume operations. We highly discourage this practice as it contributes to violence, harassment and fuels illegal operations," warned the MEC.
She has further urged those who want to venture into the e-hailing service sector to do their homework, conduct research and get full information before getting into business.
Meanwhile, the MEC also highlighted the Department is currently working towards clearing the backlog of applications.
"Clearing this specific backlog is a priority for the Department and will signify our resolve to turn these into economic opportunities, as applicants can proceed to operate legally within the public transport space."
GPRE is tasked with the responsibility of accepting, adjudicating on and issuing of public transport operating licenses in the province.
Below are Transport Operating License Administrative Bodies (TOLAB)

Tshwane Office: 230 Lilian Ngoyi Street, ABSA Towers - Pretoria Central - Tshwane
Centre manager: Ms Vhongani Macheke (082 297 7763)
 
Johannesburg Office: No.45 Commissioner Street, Life Centre Building
Centre manager: Mr Sechaba Tumelo (063 697 2568)
 
West Rand Office: Kagiso Drive and Mmusi Street, Kagiso
Ms Carol Pooe (082 500 0098)
 
Ekurhuleni Office: No. 1 Hardach Street, Germiston (opp Magistrate's Offices)
Ms Wona Mosala (082 324 7777)

Sedibeng Office: No.45 Commissioner Street, Life Centre Building
Centre manager: Ms Constance Ndlovu (066 301 8888)