As millions of South Africans continue to rely on minibus taxis for their daily commute, a directive issued by a Ladysmith-based taxi association has sparked growing concern among educators and parents across KwaZulu-Natal.
In a statement released by the Mhlumayo Taxi Association, the organisation announced that, effective from 16 February 2026, unrecognised vehicles will no longer be permitted to operate within its designated areas.
Crucially, the association warned that teachers will be prohibited from transporting colleagues or students to school, even as part of informal lift clubs.
While the association clarified that individuals may continue using their own vehicles for personal travel without restriction, it drew a firm line against carrying additional passengers. According to the statement, transporting others — particularly where money is exchanged — will “not be tolerated”.
Given the far-reaching implications of the directive, especially for teachers who depend on lift-sharing arrangements to offset rising fuel costs, Newcastillian News sought clarity from relevant authorities.
As part of this process, the Amajuba Regional Taxi Council was approached to establish whether similar measures were being considered in Newcastle and surrounding areas. At the same time, enquiries were directed to both the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial SAPS and Ladysmith SAPS to determine whether law enforcement was aware of the unfolding situation.
Responding to Newcastillian News, the Amajuba Regional Taxi Council confirmed it was aware of the Mhlumayo Taxi Association’s statement. However, it said it was unable to provide an official comment at this stage. Importantly, the council assured residents that taxi associations operating within the Amajuba District would not be implementing similar restrictions.
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial SAPS adopted a firmer position.
While police acknowledged they had not initially been aware of the directive, they stressed that such conduct would not be tolerated. Moreover, when asked to assess the legality of the association’s instruction, SAPS made it clear that the directive should be ignored.
Reinforcing this stance, the police stated, “The position of the SAPS is that, only the National Assembly and the Legislatures are lawful entities that make the law, and only the president can sign any bill into law. Any law created by anybody, and not following the above procedure, is non-existent and unlawful.”
Furthermore, SAPS warned that should the association attempt to enforce its directive, there would be consequences. This comes as police reiterated that only authorised law enforcement officers have the legal power to stop motorists and conduct searches.
Although SAPS conceded it is not possible to station officers along every stretch of road to prevent unlawful roadblocks or intimidation, it urged motorists to remain vigilant.
“Motorists who fall victim of such illegal acts are advised to inform the police and the law will take its course,” the provincial office stated.
In closing, police encouraged members of the public who are aware of potential disruptions — or who have already been targeted — to report incidents immediately. They cautioned, “Simmering tensions have the ability to develop into violence and police are advising those who are being threatened to open cases at police stations.”
This development echoes a similar incident in August 2025, when the Klipriver Scholar Transport group (affiliated with the Klipriver Taxi Association in the Ladysmith area) issued a notice prohibiting teachers from transporting pupils in private vehicles, with threats of vehicle impoundment effective from 11 August 2025.
That notice prompted widespread concern from parents, educators, and teachers’ unions such as NAPTOSA, which described it as dangerous and a threat to parental choice.
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The repeated appearance of such directives highlights a deeper conflict between the protection of the formal taxi industry and the fundamental rights of ordinary citizens to choose safe, affordable, and legal transport options. In a country where millions depend on informal arrangements to reach work and school, any attempt to override these rights through intimidation or unlawful enforcement cannot stand.
Authorities have spoken with one voice: taxi associations hold no power to legislate or police private travel. The message is clear and non-negotiable—such directives carry no legal force, and any effort to impose them will be met with the full weight of the law. Commuters, educators, and parents are therefore urged to exercise their rights without fear, report any interference immediately, and hold firm against actions that threaten public order and safety.
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2 Responses
Oh please try and pull me off for taking my kids to school… it’s the last thing you will ever do…………
The mini bus taxis are death traps, the drivers think they own our roads and drive like hooligan idiots, they don’t have a right to say we can’t transport passengers in our private cars, do they think they the only ones who are permitted to transport people. They don’t own the roads or pay our vehicles and petrol to use our vehicles.
95% of the taxi owners and drivers are unlicensed or bought their licenses illegally. Let the vaal accident be a lesson on how unruly and careless they all are.
Idiots!!!!!