Limpopo gives transport operators a two-month window to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and contracts are in place for learners’ safety.
Image: GCIS
Limpopo scholar transport operators have been given 60 days, effective Monday, 16 February 2026, to finalise their operating licence applications, the province’s Department of Transport and Community Safety announced. The directive comes as authorities tighten regulations amid growing concerns over learner safety following recent fatal accidents in scholar transport nationwide.
During the grace period, vehicles will only be impounded if operators fail to meet critical safety and legal requirements, including using unroadworthy vehicles, transporting learners in light delivery vehicles or bakkies, or failing to provide parent contracts, indemnity forms, or school endorsement letters. Any other traffic law infringements will also result in enforcement.
The department outlined a step-by-step process for operators to secure their licences, from application submission at district offices to verification, publication in the government gazette, adjudication by the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE), and eventual licence issuance. Operators may appeal decisions to the Transport Appeal Tribunal (TAT).
Required documentation includes certified IDs, valid SARS Tax Clearance Certificates, route descriptions, timetables, parent-signed learner lists, the prescribed fee of R627.66, a completed Form 1B, and proof of no criminal record related to public transport operations. Vehicle documents are not compulsory at the application stage.
In response, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has ramped up its compliance campaign, impounding vehicles that are not roadworthy and requiring operators to obtain school authorisation letters, formal parent contracts, and certified roadworthy vehicles. Operators have said they support safety measures but require time to meet the new requirements.
Department Response Limpopo’s Department of Transport and Community Safety emphasised that the 60-day window aims to balance compliance with safety, giving operators sufficient time to complete applications while protecting learners. Spokesperson Mr Matome Taueatsoala said, “We urge all operators to ensure their applications are complete and accurate to avoid penalties or vehicle impoundment. Safety is our top priority.”
The department outlined a step-by-step process for operators to secure their licences. Applicants must submit documents in person to the nearest district office, where officials will verify tax compliance, criminal records, and other regulatory requirements. Once verified, applications will be notified to planning authorities and municipalities, published in the government gazette, and adjudicated by the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE). Approved operators will receive their operating licences and will be required to submit vehicle documents. Those dissatisfied with the decision may appeal to the Transport Appeal Tribunal (TAT).
Required documentation includes a certified copy of an ID or CK, a valid SARS Tax Clearance Certificate, route descriptions and timetables, lists of learners signed by parents, the prescribed fee of R627.66 (subject to change), a fully completed Form 1B, and no criminal record related to public transport operations. Vehicle documents are not compulsory at the application stage.
Department spokesperson Mr Matome Taueatsoala said the 60-day window was intended to give operators sufficient time to comply while maintaining the safety of learners across the province. “We urge all operators to ensure their applications are complete and accurate to avoid penalties or vehicle impoundment."
Last week, hundreds of operators in Gauteng marched to the offices of Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, protesting stricter regulations introduced after a tragic accident in Vanderbijlpark that claimed the lives of 14 children in January.