Limpopo: Wheelchair-commuter bemoans treatment
A woman living with a disability has called on the Dzanani-1 Taxi Association to take disciplinary steps against a taxi driver who seemingly mistreated her.
LIMPOPO – The 39-year-old Virginia Masithulela from Nzhelele, explained to CV that the incident happened while she was on her way to Siloam from Mayhoi.
“The driver stopped to pick up passengers, and as they were getting in, he looked back and told me that my wheelchair is disturbing other passengers and next time I should put my wheelchair on my lap or travel with my mom.”
I don’t know why he stopped to pick me up because he hates a wheelchair in his taxi. That taxi driver is a bully and I can’t tolerate it any longer. I was made to be the laughing stock in the taxi. I’m still hurt, and that is why I lodged a complaint with the taxi association to ensure this does not happen again,” she said. She added that the man’s rudeness has affected her.
“People treat us as if we chose to be in these wheelchairs. A taxi marshal requested that I forgive him, but the driver must apologise himself, not through his friends. Awareness is needed in the taxi industry, so that they respect people with disabilities,” said the angry Masithulela.
She has been wheelchair-bound for more than 12 years after she was diagnosed with a nerve disorder known as peripheral neuropathy.
The Chairperson of People Living with Disabilities in Vhembe, Ropson Mbilu Rambuwani is of the opinion that she was owed an apology by the driver.
“We are living in a democratic country and we all have rights. I trust the taxi association will resolve this matter,” said Rambuwani.
The Spokesperson for the Dzanani-1 Taxi Association, Thomani Mafunisa told CV that the driver’s statement to Masithulela, was misinterpreted.
“The problem was not the wheelchair, but the fact that she physically needed assistance. Our driver advised her to have someone with her who could help her board the taxi, as otherwise, he would have had to physically assist her.
“He was uncomfortable in this sense, as it is not good for a man to touch a woman’s body.”
Mafunisa added that the driver’s advice was misunderstood, which resulted in the current situation. “We are not defending our driver. He is a good person and that is why we believe that the passenger misinterpreted his utterances. “This problem will be solved very soon.”
