Kempton Park Taxi Rank a safe zone for GBV victims

Atlegang Makgoba

Taxi operators in Kempton Park were educated about the importance of converting the taxi rank to a safe zone to counter gender-based violence (GBV) and other social ills witnessed at the rank.
Residents of Kempton Park CBD and stakeholders from Kempton Park SAPS, South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), ActNow Foundation, Powa, Memeza Community Safety and the You Are Not Alone Foundation took part in the GBV march to the Kempton Park Taxi Rank on March 31.
“We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to men abusing women and children. With this initiative, we are urging our drivers not to do further harm to society and report matters of GBV to the police,” said the president of Santaco Phillip Taaibosch.
He said it is the responsibility of taxi operators to create a mutual relationship with their customers in order to detect if their passengers are in danger or have been harmed.
“It’s as simple as greeting your passenger and asking how they are doing. This kind of communication is the foundation of trust to let commuters know we care about their well-being,” said Taaibosch.
Chairperson of ActNow Foundation Tebogo Lerole said it was important to include the taxi industry in the fight against GBV as many taxi operators are witnesses to GBV.
“It was important for us to partner with Santaco because we want to send a message that no woman will be physically abused, tormented nor insulted in the presence of our taxi drivers.
“This must be a safe zone for anyone experiencing any kind of abuse,” said Lerole.
“As we have done with our Conquer GBV campaign that aims to educate men in taverns, we want the taxi rank to be a place where women will be able to walk freely without being harassed.”
The initiative saw many people from the community and various taxi associations in attendance.
The spokesperson of the Kempton Park SAPS Capt Jethro Mtshali said the police welcome any initiative aimed at the prevention of crime.