Taxis in Mbombela gear up for a safe festive season
Taxi operators are encouraged to ensure their passengers' safety by following the rules of the road.
As a way to create awareness in the taxi industry during the festive season, the Top Star Local and Long Distance Transport Association hosted a Road Safety Campaign at the Mbombela Taxi Rank on December 8.
The association’s chairperson, John Mavundla, said the priority for this season is the taxi operators’ safety, followed by that of the passengers.
“We want to encourage the drivers to make sure that they are safe first, following the rules of the road, which will ensure the passengers’ safety. As an association, we always make sure that our drivers do not drink and drive, and that they are not overworked,” he said.
“We are anticipating a lot of passengers who will be travelling locally and on vacations. Nevertheless, we appreciate their support, because these taxis would not fill the rank if it were not for their need for transportation. We will ensure that every passenger is safe, and our offices are always open for the community to report any drivers who do not obey the rules of the road. We also encourage commuters to wake up earlier to catch a taxi to wherever, so they do not bully drivers to rush to the destination.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Seven killed in a horrific bus crash on the Long Tom Pass
“As members of the taxi industry, we are ashamed when our own vehicles are involved in fatal accidents such as the recent one in Mbombela. We want to do our best to avoid such accidents from happening by providing knowledge about road safety to our drivers.”
Taxi operators and owners were also urged to keep updated licences and essential documents of their vehicles.
Mavundla said the taxi rank plays a huge role in Mbombela’s economy as it provides employment and entrepreneurship, and the association aims to give back to the community it serves.
During the campaign, the association donated a brand-new refrigerator to a regular elderly commuter, gogo Thembi Nkumba from Pienaar.
ALSO READ: Hazyview boasts new Puma filling station
The campaign was supported by the rank masters, the drivers, the City of Mbombela, the South African National Taxi Council, the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, the South Africa Passengers Organisation and other stakeholders.
