MDTA to hike taxi fares from 1 May, citing rising fuel costs

MIDDELBURG — Commuters in Middelburg and Mhluzi will pay more for transport from 01 May 2026 after the Middelburg District Taxi Association (MDTA) announced a R2 increase in taxi fares, citing rising fuel costs.

“We are forced to increase the price. Our operating costs are no longer sustainable at the current fares,” said MDTA spokesperson John Madonsela.

Madonsela said the association had delayed fare increases since 2021 despite repeated fuel hikes.

“This is the first adjustment in five years,” he said.

Drivers said the increase still does not cover their costs.

“Last year we used to fill up a Quantum with R1 300. Now it’s more than R1 900 for the same tank of diesel,” said Mandla Mahlangu, who has driven the Mhluzi-to-town route for eight years.

“We drive the whole day, but by the time we pay the owner and buy diesel, there’s nothing left for us,” he said.

Another driver, Vusi Skosana, said the R2 increase will help but will not close the gap.

“Tyres, oil, repairs — everything has gone up. If diesel keeps increasing, even R16 will not be enough,” he said.

According to the new fares, Mhluzi local trips will increase from R10 to R12, while fares from Mhluzi to Middelburg town will rise from R13 to R15. Routes to surrounding areas, including Aerorand, Dennesig, Kanonkop, Middelburg Mall and industrial areas, will increase from R14 to R16.

Commuter Rose Sibanyoni, who works as a domestic worker and travels to Dennesig, said the increase will have a noticeable impact on her monthly expenses.

“An additional R2 may not seem like much, but if you take two taxis every day, it adds about R80 to your monthly transport costs. We are already struggling,” she said.

In response to the fare hike, chairperson of the Nasaret and District Taxi Association (NDTA), Themba Mncina, said his organisation has not yet finalised its new fares.

“We plan to update our price list after our meeting next Thursday,” Mncina said.

“While we are also feeling the pressure of rising fuel costs, it is important that we consult our members before making any changes,” he added.