A taxi driver’s usual day
"I've been doing this job for more than six years, it's my bread and butter. I've also been able to take care of my family through this business and I continue to do it with passion,"
Ferrying passengers safely to work, home and other destinations can be a daunting task, but not for Joseph “Chippa” Ntshangase whose passengers’ lives largely depend on his daily vigilance.
Joseph is one of hundreds of taxi operators in Ermelo who have dedicated their lives to making sure passengers arrive safely at their destinations.
“I’ve been doing this job for more than six years, it’s my bread and butter. I’ve also been able to take care of my family through this business and I continue to do it with passion,” said Mr Ntshangase.
His day starts in the early hours with the transport of passengers that begin work early.
The rush goes until 08:30 when he gets to rest a bit before making a few runs to Wesselton and other sections.
When asked about challenges that taxi drivers face regularly, he said the first one is passengers bringing R100 and R200 notes in the morning, knowing very well that loose change is a problem so early in the day.
Other challenges include passengers who rush the drivers and at times ask them to speed, because they are running late for work, forgetting that there are other passengers and speeding might also get them into trouble with the law.
“There are, however, also interesting aspects to our job, such making friends with our passengers and getting to know them on first-name basis,” said Mr Ntshangase.
Responding to why taxi drivers stop anywhere on the road, he replied with a subtle smile that it was actually because passengers don’t notify the driver in time of their stop.
If the driver tries to pull over at a safer place, the passengers often complain that it was not where they wanted to get off.
He was adamant that drivers really make it a point not to violate the rules of the road and most passengers understand that now.
Mr Ntshangase also said as drivers they have worked hard to change people’s perceptions of taxi drivers being arrogant and reckless.
“In our meetings, we always stress the point of treating our customers with respect and dignity, as we also want them to treat us the same way,” he explained.
He said something he enjoys in this business is the unity among drivers and passengers.
He also encouraged passengers to use the taxi association’s offices for any complaints or compliments, because that also helps their business.
He pointed out that the closure of local mines and other industries around Ermelo and more people buying cars have put a strain on their business as fewer and fewer commuters use taxis.
The father of three made an appeal to commuters to be considerate when shopping and not to bring too many bags or luggage to be transported, as this is a practice which makes other passengers sit uncomfortably, unless the eager shoppers pay for the extra seat, which they are not always willing to do.
