Workers at the Gauteng licensing office have embarked on a week-long illegal strike, the transport department said on Tuesday.

This, amid allegations that certain workers had been employed without going though the required process, said department spokesperson Alfred Nhlapho.

"We have made it clear that we have a policy of openness and transparency. Up to this point, there is no evidence provided supporting the claims made," he said.

Department head Sibusiso Buthelezi has ordered all employees striking at the Batho Pele Building in the Johannesburg CBD to return to work or face dismissal.

The strike was affecting the processing of thousands of temporary operating permit applications from long distance transport operators, he said.

"We can't have a dysfunctional department. The non-processing of operating licenses for taxis would lead to disputes and conflict between various associations across the province."

Buthelezi said striking workers had until noon on Thursday to report for duty.

Sapa