By Celani Sikhakhane
- Nkandla taxi association raises long distance fares to R420 one way, with increases starting Friday 1 May 2026 for commuters travelling to Gauteng.
- Local fares also increase by a few rand, while long distance prices rise between R10 and R30, adding pressure on struggling households.
People travelling between Nkandla and Gauteng say the new taxi fares will make it harder to visit family.
The Nkandla Taxis Association has increased the price of a single trip to R420. The new fare starts on Friday, 1 May 2026.
This means many workers living in Gauteng may skip travelling home during the long weekend because of the higher cost.
Association chairperson Manqele said the increase comes after fuel prices went up. He linked the fuel increases to the ongoing war between Iran and the United States of America.
Local commuters will also pay more. Short trips in and around Nkandla will increase by a few rand.
Long distance fares have gone up by between R10 and R30. This affects people already struggling with daily costs.
The South African National Taxi Council in KwaZulu-Natal said the industry does not get government subsidies. This means taxi owners must pass fuel increases on to passengers.
The council said rising fuel prices make it hard for operators to pay vehicle instalments and drivers’ salaries.
The new prices will affect many families who depend on taxis to travel between work and home.
Pictured above: Taxi fares from Nkandla to Gauteng have increased due to rising fuel costs linked to international conflict.
Image source: supplied
