SPAR drives healthcare services to women in transport at an Alex taxi rank
ALEXANDRA – Female taxi drivers operate in a highly stressful environment that may not always be supportive of women, says Dr Rakumakoe.
A taxi rank in Alexandra was recently transformed into a wellness centre when SPAR came on a drive for quality healthcare services for women taxi drivers in the township.
This was one of many SPAR South Rand events on the 4 Women in Transport Wellness Day held in various taxi ranks in Alex, Carletonville
SPAR South Rand partnered with Quadcare and Ubunye Capital to address the healthcare needs of the more than 45 000 women in the industry.
Women in the taxi ranks visited underwent physical examination that included blood pressure, glucose and HIV, as well as breast cancer screenings.
The average age of women who attended was 46 years while the eldest was 79 and the youngest 19.
The initiative has kickstarted a Gauteng Women in Taxi Industry Health Status Study which seeks to determine the needs of women in the industry and to guide future health service planning.
Nonelela Xaba-Butjie, SPAR South Rand divisional human resources director highlighted the importance of the SPAR group’s relationship with communities, saying the brand was about inspiring people to ‘do and be more’.
“We want to do more for the health and wellness of women in the taxi industry. The taxi industry is South Africa’s transport engine. It is an integral player in moving SPAR customers and employees daily. Therefore, we regard taxi ranks as part of our community.”
Xaba-Butjie also announced the opening of a brand-new pharmacy at SPAR at the Carletonville Taxi Rank. “We hope that with the opening of the new pharmacy, female taxi drivers and others can get the necessary healthcare they need,” Xaba-Butjie said.
As October marks National Transport and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the CEO of Ubunye Capital, Vuyisile Majola, said her company found it important to join the initiative to raise awareness around primary healthcare issues.
Quadcare CEO Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe said she was proud to join the partnership to drive the message about the importance of providing access to quality and affordable health solutions to communities across the country.
“Female taxi drivers operate in a highly stressful environment that may not always be supportive of women. Many female taxi drivers tragically lost their husbands and have taken over the business to put food on the table.
“Unfortunately, anxiety and depression can lead to other problems. Furthermore, it is important that these women have a platform where they can report violations and get the necessary assistance. You are not alone,” Rakumakoe added.
