Ivory Park Taxi Association chairperson Buti Johannes Mkonza dies after a short illness
The Late Ivory Park Taxi Association chairperson was hailed as a visionary who championed transformative economic empowerment within the taxi industry.
Ivory Park Taxi Association chairperson Buti Johannes Mkonza has passed away in hospital after a short illness.
His untimely passing was confirmed in a statement by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) president Mothlabane Abnar Tsebe.
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He said the well-known taxi boss, a business tycoon and founder of BJM Coaches, died on Sunday [November 3] at the Mediclinic Midstream Hospital at the age of 55.
Mkonza was also a former chairperson of Santaco in Gauteng.
“The South African National Taxi Council is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its esteemed former chairperson Buti Johannes Mkonza. The taxi industry lost a remarkable leader, pioneer and hero. Mkonza’s visionary leadership, mentorship and selflessness leave an indelible mark in the industry. We are devastated by the loss of our beloved leader and colleague,” said Tsebe.
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Mkonza’s memorial service will be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Halfway House on November 7 at 12 noon.
As a taxi operator, Mkonza started with just one taxi, which grew into BJM Coaches which had a fleet of taxis, 80 buses and 30 mini-taxis.
He also owned several filling stations in the province.
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