Ndlelantle campaign to ensure safety of long-distance taxi drivers

POLOKWANE – Long-distance travelling can be an overbearing exercise for an everyday taxi operator ferrying ten or more passengers in a single trip and can also be strenuous, especially during the December holidays.

‘Ndlelantle’ is loosely translated from the IsiZulu language to say one should travel safely.

NTA’s Limpopo provincial coordinator, Frans Kgasago says their officials are already stationed at key points across the province to ensure that all long-distance taxi operators take adequate rests between trips and their passengers stretch for a minimum of fifteen minutes.

“Please look out for our foot soldiers who are wearing reflective jackets written ‘Ndlelanetle NTA on almost all major routes of the country including; the N1 (north and south), N3, N4, N1, R101 and the M1 South,” he said.

A long-distance taxi operator in between Thohoyandou and Polokwane, Ndivhuwo Malabi concurred that resting is essential as concentration may deteriorate.

Even so, there is pressure for drivers to rush their deliveries in order to return back to the queue for more money.

“That is why some of us do not have the luxury of stopping for a few minutes of rest,” Malabi said.

Meanwhile the Limpopo Department of Health pleads with taxi owners not to burden their employees with “check-in” commissions because the effects of no resting and rushing on the road are irreplaceable.

Acting departmental spokesperson, Derick Kganyago said passengers should not feel guilty to tell the operator when they are tired and would like to rest from the trip.

“They should stretch and pause even with their passengers for at least 15 minutes after every two hours to increase their concentration,” Kganyago mentions.

He said water and a first aid kit are essential when travelling for long distances as it reduces fatigue.