VEREENIGING.- Much to the delight of many commuters and business people alike, the Vereeniging Taxi Rank finally opened its gates last Thursday.

The project has been going on for more than a decade.

More than 20 local SMMEs benefitted from the project, and almost 100 local labourers were employed. The old Taxido Junction Taxi Rank, originally constructed in 1991/92 by a private developer, was demolished in 2014/15 as part of PRASA’s broader efforts to upgrade the Vereeniging Station precinct.

The modern facility with CCTV boasts:
* Solar lighting,
* 84 trader stalls,
* Expanded transport amenities

Mamohloki Nhlapo, owner of Hloki’s Hair Studio that is just outside rank is excited with the new developments. She, along with many other small businesses, suffered greatly when the taxi rank upgrade took far too many years to be finalised.

Then lockdown hit even harder.

As if that was not enough, the repairs on Union Street in Vereeniging made it unbearable — customers struggled with parking, and the level of dust and dirt they had to endure was overwhelming.

Now that the taxi rank is finally open, Nhlapo is filled with emotion, yet deeply grateful to God for sustaining her and for keeping her clients patient and hopeful.

These are the very people who held it down with her.

“ A heartfelt thank you to Hloki’s Hair Studio customers for your continued support. We are here, we are still open for business, and we are going nowhere. Government failures and delays should never derail us from God’s promises,” Nhlapo said, excitedly.