uMsinga — Taxi associations in Gauteng and the Free State are offering reduced fares to help fans travel to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands for the funeral of Maskandi star Scebi Dlamini, who will be laid to rest in uMsinga this weekend.
Transport relief for grieving fans
Members of the Maskandi community from across the country are expected to travel to Mzisho Stadium in Machunwini village for Dlamini’s funeral on Saturday. Taxi operators have stepped in to make the journey more affordable, announcing subsidised return fares for passengers planning to attend the service.
Operators based in Gauteng will charge a return fare of R350, while associations in the Free State have set the price at R650 for return trips from Bloemfontein, according to industry representatives. The reduced fares aim to enable more supporters to attend what is expected to be an emotional weekend for the Maskandi community.
"Inkosi yamaGcokama"
Background to the tragedy
Scebi Dlamini, an award-winning Maskandi musician commonly known by his stage name, died after a motor vehicle crash in Richards Bay. The crash also claimed the life of his backing vocalist, Sipho Gumu "Gupta" Mchunu, who will be buried on Friday — a day before Dlamini’s funeral. The twin losses have prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, fellow musicians and supporters across the province and beyond.
Practical travel information
- Return fare from Gauteng: R350
- Return fare from Bloemfontein (Free State): R650
- Funeral venue: Mzisho Stadium, Machunwini village, uMsinga
- Dlamini’s funeral: Saturday; Mchunu’s burial: Friday
Fans planning the trip are advised to confirm departure points and times with their local taxi associations and to expect heavy traffic and large crowds in and around uMsinga during the funeral period. Those coming from other provinces should also plan for limited accommodation close to Machunwini village and consider travelling with a group for safety and convenience.
Community and industry response
Taxi industry representatives said the decision to reduce fares was an act of solidarity with grieving fans and the broader Maskandi community. The gesture follows a string of tributes from musicians, industry figures and supporters who have expressed shock at the sudden deaths.
The reduced fares are likely to ease the financial burden for many who would otherwise struggle with the cost of interprovincial travel. Industry spokespeople indicated that operators in Gauteng and the Free State coordinated to standardise discounted pricing for passengers travelling specifically to the funerals.
What attendees should know
Local authorities and community organisers typically put measures in place for large funerals in rural areas, including traffic control and crowd management. Attendees should keep the following in mind:
- Confirm pick-up and drop-off points with taxi operators before departure.
- Carry identification and any necessary proof of fare payment.
- Allow extra travel time for delays on provincial roads and near the venue.
- Respect local arrangements for parking and pedestrian access around Mzisho Stadium.
| Origin | Return fare | Departure advice |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | R350 | Contact your local taxi association for times and collection points |
| Bloemfontein (Free State) | R650 | Arrange seats in advance; expect longer travel time |
The funerals of both Dlamini and Mchunu will draw mourners from within KwaZulu-Natal and beyond, underlining the influence of Maskandi music nationally. Taxi operators’ concessionary fares are the latest sign of solidarity within the provincial music and cultural community as it prepares to say farewell to two of its members.
Local residents and those attending are asked to follow any guidance from community leaders and municipal officials at the events. Those seeking additional details on travel arrangements should contact their regional taxi association or local community organisers for confirmed schedules.
