Women in the minibus taxi industry were encouraged to take advantage of sector opportunities during the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) West ‘Re Teng’ – meaning ‘We are here’ – event in Randfontein on August 25. The event at the West Rand District Municipality building also included widows of taxi owners and drivers.

Rand West City Council Speaker Selina Moumakwe said the transport industry is one sector where women need to increase their participation.

“The transport industry is one sector that women need to penetrate and take part in,” she said, adding that government needs to identify opportunities for women and encourage more young people to enter the sector.

Local operator shares her story

Toekomsrus resident Adrienne Samson, a taxi owner and driver, shared her experience of working in the industry.

“I wake up in the morning, I go to the streets, I drive the taxi, I check the maintenance of the taxis and some of the vehicles I can even fix myself,” she said.

Samson described the industry as rewarding but acknowledged that it has difficult moments.

The gathering highlighted the role women play in the sector while encouraging more young people to consider transport careers.

The Herald approached Santaco West with a media enquiry on August 31 and September 8 on the number of registered female taxi owners and drivers in the West Rand Region and the growth thereof. At the time of publication, no response had been received. Their feedback will be published once received.