Frans is the man who always smiles
Frans Kgasago, who is known as the man who always smiles, is a man with a lot of responsibility.
POLOKWANE – Besides from being a businessman in his own right, he holds the position of the Mankweng Taxi Association Public Relations Officer. He also acted as the Chairperson of the Polokwane Community Policing Forum (CPF) Committee and still holds being a part of the CPF in high regard.
“I am the Provincial Chairperson of the Limpopo Community Police Board and I am the director and owner of several companies. My motto is: ‘Let us do it for you’, because I believe there is always someone who is better at doing something and, if you are that person, you should do the things you are good at, for others,” he explains.
He describes himself as someone who always smiles. “I do not believe in showing sadness or anger. I am firm in my beliefs and some days have a lot on my plate too, however, I do my utmost to always be friendly.”
He believes being a part of the community means being a part of the fight against crime and for this reason he is a proud member of the CPF.
“I started to volunteer in the CPF in 1996 where I served as the Chairperson of the Polowane Police Station. This is something I am very proud of as it gave me a platform to influence others to get involved in their communities and help in the fight against crime in and around the city,” he says.
Often labelled as a good businessman who places the safety of his clients first, he is a loving husband and father who loves spending time with his family.
Frans says serving in the CPF is challenging at times, especially in the beginning, because people saw them as being police informers.
“There were only a few people interested in taking part in the CPF because it was voluntary and there was no money to be made. Many people were against the initiative in both the community and the police and they did not want to work with us. Fortunately that has changed and we are well underway to creating a crime-free city.”
Being in the taxi business, he adds, is challenging as it is a risky industry. “It is a business that is black-owned and there is no support or subsidies while we are transporting around 65% of all passengers in the country. There is violence at times but more often than not it is a stable and safe industry where we are able to generate an income and provide an essential service,” he explains.
His message to those who aspire to become entrepreneurs is to work hard and focus on their studies to achieve good marks.
“You must understand that education is the key to unlock all the doors to your future. Be accountable and responsible for all your actions and, most importantly, do not get involved in criminal activities.”
Frans recommends that learners decide on their future careers as early as possible so they can start working towards it.
He believes all people are equal in the eyes of the Lord as He urges the community to do their part in reducing crime by reporting criminal activities and joining their local CPF.
A big believer in the equal rights of all men and women, he feels everyone in South Africa must strive to stop all forms of abuse as it leads to the breakdown of communities which in turn greatly damages the country as a whole.
