Taxi association warns teachers not to transport learners in Mhlumayo
A letter from the Mhlumayo Taxi Association warns teachers not to transport learners, sparking outrage as the association confirms it issued the notice.
A letter circulating on social media, confirmed to be from the Mhlumayo Taxi Association, has created a social media firestorm. The letter warns teachers not to give lifts to learners and other teachers travelling to school in Mhlumayo, KZN.
Ladysmith Gazette reports that in the letter (dated January 15, 2026), teachers are warned that if they are found transporting learners and other teachers, they will be stopped.
The taxi association responsible has acknowledged that the letter was issued by them.
The letter ends with the association telling teachers that taxi drivers do not try and teach children in classrooms, so they request teachers not to try and do taxi driver jobs by transporting children (and teachers) to schools.
Comment by taxi association
When contacted, the secretary of the Mhlumayo Taxi Association, who asked to only be named as Mr Mgaga, said: “Firstly, we want to apologise for the harsh words used in the letter. The aim was not to intimidate or undermine anyone. However, we wish to make it clear that this letter was meant for teachers who are now taking over our work. Some teachers have bought seven-seater cars and they are transporting their colleagues and learners. In so doing, they are interfering with our work.
“The letter was aimed at calling these individuals to come forward so that we can engage with them in a polite manner. It is very disappointing to see that before they could engage with us, they decided to circulate the letter on social media.”
He added that they have been approached by the traditional leadership; and a meeting with all relevant parties – including the taxi association, Amakhosi and Department of Education – is set to be convened soon, where they will attempt to find an amicable solution.
Comment by police
Ladysmith SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan confirmed that police are aware of the letter, but stressed that they have received no reports of any incidents in the area. He added that police are on the ground in the area.
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Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
