The frustration faced by minibus taxi owners in receiving their operating permits in KwaZulu-Natal due to delays by the Department of Transport (DoT) was debated at the KZN Legislature on Thursday. 

Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) recognised the important role that minibus taxis played in the province and were concerned about the challenges taxi drivers face daily with law enforcement.

In September 2025, many commuters were left stranded in parts of Durban after the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) went on strike, shutting down the province and schools.

Bongumusa Mkhize, an MPL and member of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), brought a motion to discuss the matter, stating that the department failed in issuing permits, resulting in the impounding of taxis during DoT Operation Shanela. 

Mkhize called for the protection of the taxi industry because he believes that it is the most accessible mode of public transport available and a powerful business sector that sustains many families. 

“There are ongoing challenges in formalising the taxi industry, including licensing issues. We have a lack of communication and witnessed the weakness in the department’s internal controls,” he said. 

Blessed Gwala, an IFP MPL, expressed concern about taxi violence over routes.

He advised those purchasing taxis to do so once they have a route and a permit, adding that there were no routes available and this was causing chaos.

He called for the stabilisation and professionalisation of the taxi industry.

Mncedisi Maphisa, an IFP MPL, said the licensing issue was a systematic challenge and nobody should be blamed for it.

He said progress was made with the issuing of permits recently and the setting up of a task team with the eThekwini Municipality to deal with challenges. 

“There is a need to streamline systems and ensure data accuracy and coordination between municipal and provincial authorities.” 

Riona Gokool, DA MPL, said that in KZN, there are more than 25,000 registered taxis and countless others operating informally in rural corridors, linking small towns to economic hubs such as Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Richards Bay.

“This is a multibillion-rand business industry, one that sustains tens of thousands of families and creates livelihoods in communities where few other opportunities exist. It deserves the government’s respect, support, and fairness. But respect does not mean turning a blind eye to chaos. Support does not mean suspending the rule of law,” she said.

“When a department fails to issue a permit on time, it is not the operator who is non-compliant; it is the department that is derelict. We stand with compliant taxi operators who are frustrated by red tape and inefficiency,” she added. 

Gokool suggested an independent audit of all pending operating permit applications in the province, with the report back made available at the legislature within 30 days.

She also suggested that all enforcement operations be conducted jointly with legitimate taxi associations, municipal transport authorities, and community safety representatives. 

Siboniso Duma, the KZN MEC for Transport, explained the steps involved in obtaining a permit.

Duma said Gauteng and Western Cape were benchmarking on the KZN Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE).

Duma stated that he was working closely as a team with SANTACO.

“We still have deficiencies that we are resolving on a day-to-day basis. If you can issue all the permits required, that might also cause a downfall in the taxi industry. For instance, a municipality will report that they do not have ablution facilities or rank stands,” Duma said.

Mongezi Twala, an EFF MPL, said: “You call operators illegal, while you refuse to process their legality. If you want order on the road, start with your offices. Taxi owners want a legal right to work.”

ANC MPL Bangokwakhe Zuma stated that the delay in permit issuance was an administrative rather than political issue.

He attributed this to outdated systems and a high volume of applications, adding that the DoT was in the process of modernising its systems.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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