VANDERBIJLPARK – Forget the Monday blues, baba…

At Civic Centre Taxi Rank, Mondays are all about looking sharp and driving clean.

While many people drag themselves into a new week with Babalaz, taxi operators, marshals and staff at the Civic Centre Taxi Association hit the rank looking like businessmen ready to seal million-rand deals.

Ties replace T-shirts, polished shoes shine in the sun as they replace amatekkie, crisp shirts are buttoned to the top and sunglasses complete the look.

As if this is never enough, amagedlela (taxis) steal the show as they beam in the morning sun.

For commuters, the gleaming white combis give them the feeling they’re boarding a VIP shuttle instead of an ordinary taxi.

When Ster landed at the rank, the busy station was buzzing with pride, as drivers greeted passengers with smiles while sipping coffee with style and enjoying amagwinya and nyama yentloko during breaks.

The unusual tradition has become a talking point among commuters, with many stopping to admire the sight of sharply dressed operators lined up beside their spotless taxis.

Speaking to Ster, Civic Centre Taxi Association representative Jan Mokadi said the idea is about changing perceptions of the taxi industry.

“We want our members to present themselves professionally and show commuters that we respect them and the work we do. Looking smart gives people confidence and reminds us that we are serving the public,” he said.

“We are planning on formalising this style and making it a standard requirement for our staffers. We have had a month since we implemented this idea and it’s well received by both our staff and commuters,” he added.

Mokadi said the initiative has also encouraged drivers to take extra care of their vehicles, ensuring the taxis are clean inside and out before the first passenger climbs aboard.

“If you are dressed smart, one tends to also keep their vehicles clean. The most important part is also making sure that behaviour also changes. A well dressed mean never acts like a pig,” he said.