The unspoken language of Johannesburg, a guide to taxi gestures

When it comes to navigating the bustling streets of Johannesburg, few modes of transportation are as iconic as the minibus taxis.

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Fast, affordable, and filled with the vibrant energy of the diverse communities they serve, these taxis are a lifeline for both locals and visitors alike.

However, to truly experience the ease and charm of getting around the City of Gold, understanding the unspoken language of taxi lingo is essential.

In Johannesburg, waving your hand won’t do much to catch a taxi’s attention. Instead, simple finger gestures have become an important form of communication for commuters.

This silent language, often referred to as taxi lingo, comprises basic hand signals that denote various destinations around the city.

While South Africa is officially recognised as having 11 languages, many would argue that this count should be 12, as the unique gestures used by taxi-goers have crafted a language of their own – one that resonates on the streets of Jozi.

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To help you navigate your way through the labyrinth of Johannesburg’s routes, here’s a quick guide to some vital taxi hand signals:

• One finger up: Need a ride to downtown Johannesburg? Simply raise a single finger to wave down a taxi heading to Noord or Bree, the two main taxi ranks in the Central Business District (CBD).
• Pointing down with your index finger: This gesture signals you’re looking for a local ride. While it may seem simple, it’s one of the key ways to communicate your needs to the driver.
• Raising four fingers: If you’re in the Midrand area and wish to head to Fourways, hold up four fingers, and a taxi will be on its way to transport you to this vibrant northern suburb.
• Three fingers pointed: Standing in downtown Johannesburg and needing a ride to Southgate? Raise three fingers to indicate your destination.
• All fingers spread: To catch a taxi to Bree or Noord from neighbourhoods such as Auckland Park, Cresta, or Braamfontein, simply spread all fingers in the air.
• Two hands making a cutting signal: When headed to Halfway House in Midrand, use both hands to make a slicing motion.

  

Once you’ve caught a taxi, understanding verbal cues is equally important, as official stops are often non-existent. Here are a few common phrases you’ll encounter during your journey:

• Sho’t right: Means the next stop is on the right side.
• Sho’t left: Indicates the next stop will be on the left.
• After robot: Signals your intention to disembark after the next set of traffic lights.

  

• Bridge: Lets the driver know you wish to get off at the bridge.
• Circle: Requests a stop at the next traffic circle.
• Dankie: A simple thank you to inform the driver of your intent to exit.

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