There are growing concerns among commuters that public transport fares will rise significantly, with potential fuel price hikes putting pressure on the system.  

However, bus commuters in Cape Town have been reassured that current MyCiTi fares will remain in place for at least two months, with Golden Arrow Bus Services noting that it’s not planning to hike prices just yet.  

With reference to the MyCiTi bus service, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, told SmileFM that fare adjustments are closely linked to diesel pricing thresholds.  

Fare level 1, he said, is based on a fuel price of R24,12 cents per litre. Quintas said if fuel prices exceed this threshold for two months, then a fare increase would be considered.  

“A fare increase is only triggered if the fuel price exceeds the next fare level for two out of three months or for two consecutive months. Only after this happens is the new fare implemented from the first Saturday of the following month,” said Quintas, adding that the current wholesale price is around R17,70 cents, well below the threshold. 

As such, MyCiTi fares will remain unchanged for the next two months. 

Golden Arrow has also noted that fare increases would not be implemented at this stage, but cautioned that sustained fuel price increases could force fare adjustments. 

Spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said the bus service is deeply concerned about the impact of fuel price increases. 

“We recognise the financial pressures that rising living costs are placing on our passengers and remain committed to supporting the communities that we serve,” said Dyke-Beyer.  

She added that the Golden Arrow is taking steps to absorb additional fuel costs and avoid fare increases for as long as possible. Dyke-Beyer noted that they are monitoring the situation and will communicate any changes when that time comes.  

“Should these pressures persist or intensify, there will come a point where a fare adjustment becomes unavoidable.” 

A similar sentiment was shared by the South African National Taxi Council, highlighting that the lack of clarity around fuel price adjustments for April have resulted in uncertainty in the taxi industry. 

READ MORE:  Calls for immediate fuel price confirmation, as SANTACO considers taxi fare adjustments – Smile 90.4FM

The Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, has made an appeal to the parents of 28,000 current Grade 7s to apply for Grade 8 as soon as possible.

There are only two weeks left to get applications in before the on-time admissions window closes on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.

If parents miss this crucial on-time application window, their application will be treated as a late application, which significantly reduces the chances of securing a spot at their preferred schools.

Since the on-time application window opened on Tuesday, 10 March, the WCED has received over 125,000 applications for Grade R, 1 and 8.

“We have made it as easy as possible to apply, and made help available to parents who are not able to complete their applications online, so there is no reason not to apply on time.”

Applications can be made online on the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) website.

Parents who need assistance can bring their required documents to one of the WCED’s pop-up admissions sites.

Details of the locations of these pop-up sites are available HERE.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) is trying to establish ways to mitigate the impact of fuel price hikes for both operators and commuters, but has expressed grave concern and called on the government to intervene.  

This is as the country waits with bated breath for any confirmation from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources regarding fuel prices for April. Fuel price adjustments usually take effect on the first Wednesday of the new month, but it is yet to be announced what the adjustments for April will be. This is especially considering the growing global crude oil costs.  

SANTACO, in a statement on Monday night, said reactions to possible major fuel price hikes have already had an impact on taxi industry operations, with some associations already having increased fares.  

Spokesperson Rebecca Phala noted that individual associations can determine taxi fare adjustments based on operational pressures. 

“While no uniform fare increase has been declared, some taxi associations have begun to communicate increases with their commuters. Therefore, commuters are advised that all changes and increases will be communicated transparently through official notice boards at taxi ranks, inside vehicles, and via verified association communication platforms,” said Phala.  

She added that decisions on fare adjustments will be made with careful consideration. 

At the same time, SANTACO noted that fare adjustments are not only determined through fuel cost but also an assessment of “multiple operation and administrative cost pressures, including vehicle maintenance, financing, licensing, and other overheads”.  

“It is important for all stakeholders to understand that any fare increases currently under consideration are a direct response to the exceptional and immediate pressures already being experienced on the ground, including supply constraints and rising costs at some fuel stations.” 

Meanwhile, the council said it will work with government and industry stakeholders to determine the best course of action to address both immediate and long-term challenges. It emphasised that it plans to “urgently” meet with government stakeholders in this regard. 

“We are acting with urgency to stabilise the situation and protect both operators and commuters. We call on government to immediately provide clear direction on fuel price expectations and to work with us on practical relief measures. The taxi industry remains committed to keeping South Africa moving, and we will do so in a way that balances sustainability with the needs of our commuters,” said the SANTACO President Abnar Tsebe. 

SANTACO stated that it’s considering several interventions, such as the adoption of a commuter-centric subsidy model, the temporary suspension or relief on fuel levies for public transport operators and prioritising access to fuel for transport operators. 

ALSO READ: How other countries are responding to rising fuel costs – Smile 90.4FM