Gauteng MEC Warns That Unroadworthy Vehicles Will Be Impounded, Mzansi Wants Taxis Targeted First
- Gauteng Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, wants to impound unroadworthy vehicles
- The Department of Transport already impounded 70 vehicles for non-compliance during the last week of August
- South Africans weighed in on the MEC's plans, with many saying that she needed to start with the taxis first
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Owners of unroadworthy vehicles have been warned that their vehicles will be impounded.
Gauteng Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, threatened that unroadworthy vehicles found on the province’s roads would be impounded.
The department kept good on its threats in August, removing 70 vehicles for non-compliance during the last week of the month.
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What did the Department of Transport say?
In an official statement, MEC confirmed that the Department of Transport would intensify its operations to combat lawlessness. She stated that the impounding of unroadworthy and illegal vehicles was done to safeguard commuters’ safety.
Department spokesperson, Lesiba Mpya, seconded those views, saying that the operations were aimed at protecting the lives of all road users.
"The operations have resulted in multiple arrests, impoundments, and enforcement actions aimed at enhancing safety and ensuring compliance with traffic laws.
These outcomes reflect the Gauteng provincial government’s unwavering commitment to restoring law and order in the transport sector," he said.
Source: Getty Images
Taxi associations feel the wrath
Taxi operators in Ekurhuleni also found out first-hand that the department meant business, as numerous taxis were impounded by officials at the end of August.
Vehicles were impounded for either being unroadworthy or for not having permits. The action led to the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) suspending operations in the area.
The strike was called off after a meeting with the MEC.
How did South Africans react?
While some social media users welcomed the news that unroadworthy vehicles would be taken off the roads, others hoped that it wasn’t just all talk. Many also suggested that the department should start with the taxis.
Peter Bossenger asked:
“Are you going to start with the taxis?”
Elsu Gericke stated:
“Start with the taxis. Also. I have witnessed this outside my work all the time. Metro is pulling off taxis almost exclusively, and the taxi driver is handing over money. They don't do it sneakily anymore. It's just blatant bribery. So good luck.”
Jabulani Mkhaliphi added:
“Good, start with the coffin taxis.”
Corrie Maritz appealed:
“Please ensure the taxis are included.”
Allen Pietersen noted:
“Making a threat and actually doing it are two different things.”
Dario Torrente said:
“Great news. No more taxis on the road then, or doesn’t this apply to them?”
Willie Make stated:
“We don't want threats. Take action, mama.”
Gillian Schmidt added:
“Let's see this happen. One out of five cars is unroadworthy.”
Aubrey Ratsomana pleaded:
“Please start with Siyaya taxis. These things are not good on the road.”
Lemas Auvali asked:
“Are the roads car worthy?”
KZN taxi associations to go on strike
Briefly News reported that some KwaZulu-Natal taxi associations will embark on a two-day strike from Thursday, 4 September 2025.
The strike is in solidarity with the Clermont and KwaDabeka associations, whose vehicles were recently impounded.
South Africans shared their thoughts on the impending strike, with some concerned that taxi drivers could block roads
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Source: Briefly News
