National Taxi Council president encourages women to take part in business
About the province chairman, Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, she said, “I always thought he was a difficult person, but then realised he has a soft spot for women.”
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Women’s Desk celebrated their Women’s Day in eMbalenhle.
Ms Maureen Mboshane, also a guest speaker, said women from young to elderly play a vital role in the society.
“They always say when you empower a woman, you empower the whole nation.”
She said when growing up, she had the impression that the taxi industry was meant for men only and was a rough industry.
Ms Mboshane encouraged women to take part in the industry and warned men that in future the industry will be led by a woman president.
She thanked the Vukanini Taxi Association for partnering with Sasol.
The national chairman of Santaco Women’s Desk, Ms Dudu Maphumulo, was the guest speaker and began her speech by thanking God for being with them all the time.
About the province chairman, Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, she said, “I always thought he was a difficult person, but then realised he has a soft spot for women.”
Ms Maphumulo thanked Mr Sibanyoni for hosting them.
She warned women in the taxi operation not to allow the industry to change who they are.
“At times, women are changed by the mere fact that they wear pants, but today I want us to understand that wearing pants does not make us men.
“Also the fact that as a woman operator you may have more taxis than some of the men does not mean you are above them.”
Ms Maphumulo said the industry and the planning around it was meant for the men, because it is not easy for women to get up at 4am and be in a queue for loading.
The reason for establishing the Women’s Desk was to give a voice to women.
Ms Maphumulo encouraged women to begin learning the business while their husbands are still alive and male operators to transfer operating licences to their wives.
The president of Santaco, Mr Phillip Taaibosch, applauded elderly women for having raised the men and women who are successful today.
He also complimented the women who persuaded him to begin thinking of having the Women’s Desk in the industry.
“When I realised I had many women in KwaZulu-Natal at a meeting, my first thought was that they were widows, but was told they were operators.
“The relief I felt was that the taxi industry was not doing them a favour, but they were there and playing their part.”
He added that he believed women should be accommodated in the industry.
The Santaco president also applauded Mr Sibanyoni for raising a strong and successful business.
“We thank all the women for being good mothers to us.”
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