Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport

10/09/2026

08/09/2026

MEC JABU MBALULA INDUCTS NEW PRE BOARD

MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Hon. Jabu Mbalula today met with the newly appointed board members of the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) - formerly the Operating Licensing Board (OLB) - during the Induction Workshop for Entity members.

The Acting HOD for the department: Adv. T. J Phahlo gave an overview of the Induction Workshop convened by the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport to orientate the board on its statutory mandate in terms of the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009.

The PRE is established under Section 23(1) of the NLTA to:
- Monitor and oversee public transport in the Free State
- Receive and adjudicate applications relating to operating licenses for intra-provincial public transport services
- Regulate and ensure efficient, safe and affordable public transport services
- Eradicate the operating license backlog and root out corruption in the licensing system

In his address, MEC Mbalula emphasised:

1. Clean Governance: The PRE must operate with transparency, integrity and accountability. No selling of permits or operating licenses will be tolerated.
2. Service Delivery: The board must expedite the adjudication of applications - currently a major pain point for taxi operators, bus services and scholar transport operators.
3. Stability in the Taxi Industry: The PRE has a critical role in resolving route conflicts and illegal operations.
4. Compliance with NLTA: Uniform business processes and alignment with the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR).

The MEC further emphasised the importance of each component understanding and executing its distinct functions, referring to the clear separation of roles and responsibilities between the PRE as the regulatory authority and the Department as the administrative and support structure. This will ensure efficiency, accountability and avoid overlap in service delivery.

"Efficiency and integrity must never compete," he said.

07/09/2026

MEC JABU MBALULA VISITS FAMILY OF MISSING SAPS RESERVIST IN EXCELSIOR

Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula visited the family of the missing SAPS Reservist in Excelsior near Tweespruit today to show support during this uncertain time.

The MEC met privately with the family to offer comfort and to assure them that government is standing with them.

Mbalula assured the family that Mr. Alex Thekiso was a member of the SAPS family, and that his disappearance is a concern to the entire policing community.

The MEC also called for cooperation during the investigation to allow the law to take its course, and urged the community to work with the police and allow investigators to do their work.

He appealed to anyone with information that can assist to contact the nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or via the MySAPS App.

03/09/2026

FUDUWA RECRUITMENT RAFFLE ACCELERATING SERVICE DELIVERY IN WARD 17

Today, Thursday, 03 September 2026, the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Hon. Jabu Mbalula, conducted a FUDUWA recruitment raffle in Ward 17, Bloemfontein, reaffirming the Free State Government’s commitment to putting service delivery and the needs of communities at the centre of its work.

The recruitment forms part of the Reseal and Fogspray Project on Martindale Road, an important intervention aimed at improving road infrastructure, enhancing road safety and creating much-needed employment opportunities for local residents.

Through the FUDUWA process, 44 participants were sourced, ensuring that local people have an opportunity to benefit directly from government infrastructure investment.

The MEC was first briefed on the project at Kootnieman Primary School, before conducting the recruitment raffle at the same venue. This approach reflects a commitment to accountability, transparency and meaningful community participation in the implementation of government programmes.

Under the leadership of MEC Mbalula, the Department continues to translate infrastructure investment into visible service delivery, safer roads and economic opportunities, ensuring that government programmes make a tangible difference in the lives of communities.

Government at work — delivering infrastructure, creating opportunities and improving lives.

01/09/2026

FREE STATE PRESEN ITS CRIME STATISTICS: PROGRESS RECORDED, MORE WORK AHEAD

On 01 September 2026, the Free State SAPS Provincial Commissioner, General Thabang Lesia, led a media briefing to present the Provincial Crime Statistics for the 4th Quarter of the 2025/2026 (January to March 2026) and the 1st Quarter of the 2026/2027 (April to June 2026) Financial Years.

The Provincial Commissioner outlined the province's crime trends in line with the National Crime Statistics released by the Acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia.
Nationally, contact crimes and murder continue to show a sustained decline, with murder down 9.5% in Q4 and 5.9% in Q1. The Free State briefing focused on provincial performance, progress made through Operation Shanela and other intelligence-led operations, and areas requiring intensified intervention.

The media briefing was attended by the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure and other relevant stakeholders, including the Deputy Director General, Advocate Mojalefa Molotsi who represented the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport.

The SAPS in the Free State remains committed to intensifying crime prevention measures, enhancing police visibility, and strengthening partnerships with communities to ensure the safety of all residents.

28/08/2026

39 OPERATING LICENCES HANDED OVER TO LAWFUL BENEFICIARIES

Today, 28 August 2026, the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, led by Hon. MEC Jabu Mbalula, formally handed over 39 Operating Licences processed through Estate Transfers to lawful beneficiaries of deceased taxi operators.

The handover was supported by Fezile Dabi District Mayor Cllr Khashudi, Moqhaka Municipality Mayor Cllr S. Tau, SANTACO leadership and Regional Taxi Associations, together with other relevant stakeholders.

The initiative ensures continuity of lawful public transport operations while protecting the livelihoods of affected families.

DCSR&T remains committed to a fair, transparent, efficient and legally compliant regulatory system that supports beneficiaries and strengthens the public transport sector.

&T