FOR locals and visitors, riding a rickshaw along Durban’s Golden Mile (promenade) is the best way to take in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. This unique attraction has formed part of the fabric of Durban’s history and continues to this day.
Local rickshaw operator, Hloniphani Mdletshe (38), who hails from uMlazi, can be spotted on the promenade each day sporting his unique and colourfully decorated headdress and ride to attract customers.
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According to Mdletshe, there were around 2 000 registered rickshaw pullers in 1902, who provided Durban’s primary mode of transport around the city centre and harbour.
Mdletshe works seven days a week and often transports tourists, children and the occasional local in his unique rickshaw.
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It is evident by his smile and his meticulous attention to detail that Mdletshe takes great pride in his work.
“I was working part time as a rickshaw puller since 2008 but that position was made permanent in 2017 after I was retrenched,” he said.
The 38-year-old said he maintains the rickshaw himself, often buying springs that cost up to R1 500 and wheels that can cost as much as R4 000.
“The eThekwini Municipality sponsored us with the wheels during the World Cup in 2010, but we buy everything ourselves to create these rides. We maintain them to keep them clean. We buy paints and the decorations,” he added.
Mdletshe said that being a rickshaw puller means he gets a good workout.
Touching on how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected his livelihood, Mdletshe said he has faced numerous hardships.
“The license to trade costs R950 per year. Often, there are quiet days, where there’s little or no customers. Rainy days are the worst as no one wants to ride and the rickshaws stay parked in their garage,” he said.
There are a number of different rickshaw ranks along the promenade: uShaka Marine World, Tropicana Hotel, Protea Hotel and Mini Town.
“We encourage the community to come and support our business because we also want to provide for our families. We wish for our communities to think about us when they are budgeting to come to us with their families and have the best experience in Durban,” he said.
Prices and trips depend on the distance.
Trips and prices:
-Tropicana Hotel to Suncoast Casino: R60 per person
-Local Ride (1km): R20 per person
-Tropicana Hotel to uShaka Marine World: R50 per person
-uShaka Marine World to Suncoast Casino: R130 per person
-Elangeni Hotel to Ushaka marine World: R100 per person
If you would like a ride along Durban’s Golden Mile, contact Mdletshe on: 079 585 6750.
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