New taxi chairman prioritise safety for passengers

A newly elected taxi association chairman wants to bring positive changes to the community of Mamelodi and focus on keeping young children off the streets.

Stemmer Monageng, chairman of the Mamelodi local and long-distance taxi association (MALLDTA), said the association had lined up several activities to promote sports and health.

He was speaking during the association’s handover ceremony held at the Tshwane Mall taxi rank last week Thursday.

“The association is going to work hand-in-hand with the community and also put the passengers’ safety first and, most importantly, root out corruption.

“We are going to work with other taxi associations and make sure there is peace between the associations in Mamelodi and for passengers to feel safe at all times,” said Monageng.

Following the spate of murders of taxi drivers last year, the association implemented 24-hour patrolling initiatives at identified hotspots.

“We wanted to make sure there were no more killing of taxi operators, hijacking and robberies at night.”

He said he was happy to be elected.

“My door is always open for challenges at the association and I am willing to work with everyone.”

Monageng has been in the executive since 2007.

He worked for different companies before joining the taxi industry and has “never looked back”.

Patricia Ngwenya, a commuter, said passengers’ safety should come first.

“The new chairperson should bring change and focus on passenger safety,” said Ngwenya.

“Ploughing back into the community will help fight the drug issues among our youth and activities will keep them busy and stop them from destroying their future.”

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