Taxi chairman says owners must alleviate local unemployment rate
Vukanini Taxi Association recently held its Annual general meeting.
eMBALENHLE – Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, chairman of Vukanini Taxi Association (Vukta), called on taxi owners and drivers to work together to ensure the fair distribution of wealth, opportunities and power in the society.
He was addressing hundreds of Vukta members during the association’s 2019 Annual General Meeting which was recently held at the eMbalenhle Sasol Club.
Mr Sibanyoni said the unemployment rate is high in the area and that Vukta also has a responsibility to curb this problem by creating jobs.
He said owners who have more than two taxi’s must not be drivers themselves, but create employment for the youth.
“We cannot sit back and fold our arms.
“We must transform this industry into a great, exciting and smooth future for our children.
“Gone are the days where the taxi drivers and owners were perceived as uncivilised people.
“This is business and we will do it professionally and ethically.”
He said the association will continue to promote and preach peace in the industry.
Mr Sibanyoni said Vukta is dedicated in serving the community and he prides himself for the charity work the association is involved in, including feeding monthly about 135 families.
The executive committee was praised of its commitment and excellent work.
This year the committee was celebrating 10 years in office.
Mr AD Mahlangu, secretary, said for the past 10 years they have been working tirelessly to remove the stigma which was long painted about the taxi industry, making it out to be identified with hooligans, a den of lawlessness with heartless people.
He said Vukta, under the leadership of Mr Sibanyoni, has turned this into a good story.
He said the association is one of the best in the province and it has given hope to many.
“For the past ten years things have drastically changed for the best.
“A new culture, peace, and stability are the assurance we have and dialogue has become our principle.
“Vukta is not a one man show as one would say, we built from a black man’s idea who wanted to see black people enjoying economic freedom.”
Vukta has more than 500 members, including administrators and marshals, and has also employed more than 2 000 people locally and in other towns.
The association also awarded their best perfomers during the AGM.
This event was attended by the local house of traditional leaders, religious leaders, politicians and government departments such as the police and the traffic department.
