Mkhwanazi presided over a special meeting between rival taxi associations, the KwaMaphumulo Taxi Association and KwaDukuza Taxi Association aiming to quell the ongoing tensions between the two taxi associations who have been fighting over routes among other tensions.

Mkhwanazi warned the taxi operators during his visit to meet with two taxi associations from Ntshwaini in KwaDukuza which are said to at loggerheads over routes.

The long-standing tensions have led to disruptions in traffic flow and violence.

He told the taxi bosses that South African roads belong to everyone and that private citizens cannot be intimidated or stopped from assisting others with transport.

Mkhwanazi made it clear that the law does not grant taxi operators the power to control who gives a lift to whom.

“A person who wants to take a lift will take a lift. If they want to take a taxi, they will take a taxi. If they want to take a bus, they will take a bus. It is not for you to decide how someone must travel. If I ever hear that there is an association that stops cars on the road and tells people they are not allowed to take a lift and must use a taxi, the moment I receive that report I will arrest the person responsible.

“Even if it is a security company doing that, I will report that company to the PSIRA office and have its license taken away. Once that security guard is arrested, the entire company will be shut down. If it operates in other places, we will deal with that in court and close it,” he said.

Mkhwanazi further said: “If a taxi driver who belongs to an association does such a thing, it means that person is working for that association. We do not care whether they own the taxi or not we will shut down that association. Those taxis will not operate. If members of the association want to test how powerful the government is, they should start with us. Challenge the government and you will see the power it has.”

According to him, intimidation of motorists or attempts to block private vehicles from transporting passengers will not be tolerated.

The commissioner’s statement has been widely interpreted as a warning to those in the taxi industry who believe they can enforce informal rules on the roads.

He stressed that law enforcement will act against anyone who attempts to take the law into their own hands.

Community members and road users have welcomed the statement, saying it reinforces the principle that South African roads are public spaces governed by the law, not by intimidation or private interests.

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The first accident happened on the R33 between Mkhondo and Amsterdam when the driver of a bus allegedly lost control. The vehicle overturned, killing five passengers on the scene. Six others sustained serious injuries, while 20 more were treated for minor injuries.

Officials confirmed that the bus had been travelling to Johannesburg when the crash occurred. Authorities urged drivers to adjust their driving to match the wet and slippery conditions currently affecting many roads in the province.

A second crash claimed three more lives on the R38 between Badplaas and Barberton. A minibus taxi and a truck collided, killing the taxi driver and two passengers. The truck driver escaped without injury.

Provincial leaders described the crashes as heartbreaking, especially as the festive season rush begins. They extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished a quick recovery to those injured.

Drivers were urged to be extra cautious during this busy period, especially in rainy conditions. Officials reminded public transport operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, avoid speeding, and only overtake when it is safe.

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Zohran Kwame Mamdani, 34, has made history as the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of New York City. His story resonates globally and holds special significance for South Africans, reflecting a journey of migration, identity, and purpose.

Born in Kampala Uganda, and spending part of his early childhood in South Africa ,Mamdani brings a unique perspective shaped by diverse communities. Before entering politics, he worked as a housing counselor and community organizer, advocating for affordable housing, better public services, and opportunities for marginalized youth.

Mamdani’s platform focused on affordable transport, rent stabilization, city-owned grocery stores, and youth programs. His election underscores the power of young leadership and shows that age is no barrier to influencing large, complex cities.

For South African audiences, his journey is a reflection on the value of nurturing young leaders and investing in community-driven solutions. Mamdani’s rise is a reminder that leadership is defined by service, vision, and tangible action, and that youth can shape the future both locally and globally.

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