MIDDELBURG — Commuters in Nasaret, Extension 24, Rockdale, Hlalamnandi and surrounding areas in Middelburg are now paying more for transport after the Nasaret and District Taxi Association (NDTA) increased fares on 01 May 2026.
The increase follows rising fuel costs that continue to place pressure on transport operators across the country.
The fare hike comes two weeks after the Middelburg and District Taxi Association (MDTA) adjusted its fares, with both associations citing escalating fuel prices as the main reason behind the increases.
Taxi fares have now increased across several key routes. A trip to the central business district or the mall increased from R15 to R18.
Fares to Dennesig, Aerorand and Kanonkop increased from R15 to R20, while short local trips within Nasaret rose from R10 to R13.
NDTA chairperson Themba Mncina said the association had no choice but to implement the increase after recent fuel hikes pushed operating costs higher.
“The rising fuel increases have a direct effect on our business. We’ve held off for as long as possible, but we can’t absorb these costs anymore,” he said.
Mncina added that this is the first fare increase implemented by the association since 2021, despite fuel prices rising steadily over the past four years.
The increase follows a national fuel price hike of more than R3 per litre on 06 May 2026, which has added further pressure on transport operators and commuters alike.
For many residents, taxis remain the only available mode of transport to workplaces, schools and shopping centres in Middelburg and surrounding suburbs, meaning the increases directly affect daily living costs.
Sandile Sibeko, who takes two taxis daily from Rockdale to town and from town to Mhluzi, said the increase is placing additional strain on his monthly budget.
“I now spend almost R40 more per week just to get to work. That’s food and airtime money gone. We don’t have a choice though, there’s no other transport,” he said.
