Gauteng MECs outline G20 plans, infrastructure actions and e-hailing reforms

October 16, 2025 167

Gauteng Transport MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, says that for every road built or refurbished ahead of the G20 Summit, a corresponding township road must also be fixed.

She says the initiative forms part of Gauteng’s G20 legacy, aimed at ensuring that the benefits of the summit extend beyond the city centre.

Gauteng provincial leaders provided updates on preparations for the upcoming G20 Summit, ongoing infrastructure projects, and new regulations for e-hailing services during a media briefing held on Thursday.

Addressing the media, Diale-Tlabela said a dedicated monitoring forum has been established to track progress on road and infrastructure projects.

She said recent inspections identified several areas needing urgent attention — and contractors have been instructed to fast-track completion as the summit draws closer.

However, some political parties and civic groups have criticized the preparations, pointing to Johannesburg’s ongoing service delivery challenges, crumbling infrastructure, and instability in city leadership.

Opposition parties have also questioned the reported R150 million budget shortfall, raising concerns over the summit’s true value and whether it will deliver lasting benefits for residents.

– Crackdown on underperforming service providers –

Meanwhile, Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo, said his department has begun issuing termination letters to service providers found guilty of poor performance or non-compliance.

He added that several companies have shown worrying patterns of misconduct across both public and private projects — prompting the department to move forward with contract cancellations to protect public funds.

The MEC also highlighted the province’s Infrastructure Turnaround Strategy, part of the national Smart Cities Framework, aimed at creating modern, connected, and sustainable urban spaces to improve service delivery and residents’ quality of life.

– E-Hailing permits to improve safety and regulation –

On the transport front, MEC Diale-Tlabela announced that Gauteng will soon roll out e-hailing operating permits for all services, including public transport operators. Developed in collaboration with taxi associations, the initiative seeks to educate operators and reduce ongoing tensions within the transport sector.

E-hailing in Gauteng has long faced violence and clashes with taxi drivers, worsened by regulatory gaps and permit delays. The proposed permits will cover licensing, vehicle registration, and safety measures for drivers and passengers.

The announcement follows the brutal killings of e-hailing driver, Mthokozisi Siyanda Mvelase, in August and Gauteng National Taxi Alliance chairperson Thamsanqa Moyo last month, both incidents believed to be linked to ongoing taxi-industry violence.

[IN PICTURES]: The @GautengProvince MECs for @GPEnvironment , @GPDRT_ , @GPDID & @GDCoGTA briefing the media on the implementation of the provincial government’s key priorities at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. #GrowingGautengTogether pic.twitter.com/G6UL267Lpm

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) October 16, 2025