Team Hazyview returned victorious from the Umdlalo Wemanti (‘a game of water’) held in KaNyamazane on October 13.

The event was all about embracing the cleanliness of all kinds of vehicles and promoting peace among taxi associations.

Ntando Oscar Mabuza from Hazyivew brought home three trophies for the cleanest bakkie. Solly Mokena, also from Hazyview, won three awards across various categories.

They both said they are proud to have represented the area in the competition and bring home the awards, and they will continue to spread the message of the importance of cleanliness of vehicles.

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The event’s organiser, Earnest Sibiya, said Umdlalo Wemanti aims to bring cars, bakkies, seven-seater Avanzas and minibus taxis together, which are clean and neat outside and in.

“We also look at the driver to see how clean he is with his car. It must look decent in all aspects. We want to encourage people to love their cars and keep them clean; it will also boost car washes in rural and urban areas. This was the first competition and the attendance was superb,” he said.

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Sibiya said they are also trying to bring taxi associations together as they are known for conflict and fighting for routes.

“We invited all taxi operators from the province and the surrounding areas to be part of the competition with the hope that they would put their differences aside. We are aware that when they go to other provinces or regions, they are always chasing one another. We are stopping it with this competition. We hope we will now resolve our issues in a good manner and protect one another,” he said.