The Topstar Taxi Association has dismissed allegations that it published a “Notice to seven-seaters’ commuters” poster that has been trending on social media.

This poster has caused an outcry and has made some parents and community members angry.
According to the poster, seven-seater vehicles without operating permits and public liability insurance would have been prohibited on the routes of the Topstar Taxi Association as of March 1. It also urges parents paying monthly transportation fares to a seven-seater’s driver to stop doing so to avoid conflicts.

On Monday, March 3, the chairperson of the Topstar Taxi Association, John Mavundla, said they did not publish or share the poster.
He said they were shocked when they heard about it and when people contacted them to find out more information on the matter.

Mavundla said the association is not happy with how the government is unable to resolve the issue of vehicles operating without permits, however, it had no plans to stop the seven-seaters from working. “We have our own plans to sort out the matter, and since we have tried our best to communicate with the government and the Department of Public Works, we will now use our own ways. The department will find us sorting our own problems on the roads, because we cannot continue to operate like this.”

According to Mavundla, it will not be possible for the taxi association to operate on the same routes as the seven-seaters, even if those drivers were granted permits. “Years ago, we introduced Toyota Ventures and we wanted them to get permits to operate, however, the government said they could not let us use them. They said those vehicles are not safe for passengers. If those vehicles were not safe, it means seven-seaters like Avanzas are not safe for passengers either.”

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Mavundla said the association does not have issues with motorists who drive seven-seaters for personal use. “Our problem is with those people who use their vehicles to do what we do on the routes we use, and they do it without permits. We do not have a problem with people driving with their friend or children in their vehicles,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport released a statement saying it would like to officially distance itself from the recent social media post attributed to the Topstar Taxi Association concerning the transportation of learners.

“The department strongly condemns the unauthorised use of its logo in this context and views such actions as a serious violation of the law. It is important for the public to understand that only authorised communications from the department can utilise its branding. The misuse of our logo without explicit consent is not only unethical, but is also considered a criminal offence,” said the public works spokesperson, Bongani Dhlamini.

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“Furthermore, we affirm that the department’s Transport Inspectorate has been tasked with ensuring all public transport operations in the province adhere strictly to the rules and regulations established under the National Land Transport Act. Our commitment to maintaining safe and compliant public transportation is unwavering. We urge all stakeholders, including members of the public, to report any instances of misuse of the department’s branding, and to verify information before sharing it on social media platforms,” said Dhlamini.