Scores of vehicles were impounded during law enforcement operations across the province by officials of the provincial Department of Transport and Community Safety.
Enraged scholar transport operators have marched to the offices of the Department of Transport in Thohoyandou in the Vhembe district.
Some of the irate drivers raised their frustrations after their vehicles were recently impounded by traffic officers.
The drivers have been transporting learners in bakkies, taxis, and other vehicles.
One of the angry operators complained that the department has introduced stringent measures mainly to make their business difficult to undertake.
“This government Government is deliberately sabotaging our business. We live in a country where unemployment statistics are alarmingly high, yet the very same government that is supposed to help us, is oppressing us. We will continue to raise our grievances until our voices are heard.”
The department has been on a campaign to impound vehicles that have been operating without permits throughout the province since schools opened last month.
The department conducted a “Safer Back to School” operation in various parts of the province focusing on learner transport safety.
Departmental spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala said law enforcement officers took part in the operation, during which dozens of vehicles were inspected.
These included two buses, taxis and sport utility vehicles.
“During the operation, summonses were issued for various offences, including permit violations and Professional Driving Permit (PRDP) infractions,” Taueatsoala said.