Vukta’s taxi drivers want to put an end to derogatory name
“Though it will take time to change our commuters’ mindset about the taxi industry, we know they will adapt if we change the way we dress, talk and interact with them.”
Vukanini Taxi Association operators want to end the stigma that taxi drivers are not clean.
People often call them Abomageza epompini, meaning they wash themselves from a tap.
These operators claim that they are often regarded as people who don’t bath and are poorly dressed.
Mr Bongani (Bhorholo) Mahlangu, a taxi owner and the leader of Vukanini Taxi Association crew, said they are now burying the Mageza epompini name by changing the way they look.
“We are now following in the steps of our leadership by promoting cleanliness, and we are encouraging our drivers to stay clean all the time.
“Though it will take time to change our commuters’ mindset about the taxi industry, we know they will adapt if we change the way we dress, talk and interact with them.
“The name Mageza epompini undermines our industry because it mean that we don’t like to bath because are we always rushing for money,” said Mr Mahlangu.
He said they have now introduced a cleanliness competition with which different taxi associations hope to finally bury the name.
According to Mr Mahlangu, the association is encouraging drivers and taxi owners to keep their taxis clean and smelling nice.
