Safe driving a priority for ETLC

SUNNINGHILL – Candice James together with Eastern Taxi Liaison Committee campaign for safe driving at Sunninghill taxi rank.

November 10, 2019

Refentse Makgamatha 1 minute read

Pamphlet given to commuters at Sunninghill taxi rank. Photo: Refentse Makgamatha

Ward 93 councillor Candice James partnered up with Eastern Taxi Liaison Committee [ETLC] to campaign for safe taxi driving at Sunninghill taxi rank on 30 October.

James explained that a WhatsApp line has been created for commuters to report bad and good driving by taxi drivers.

The challenge faced in this campaign is that some taxis do not have stickers indicating which association they are part of. This is vital because the WhatsApp line is for taxi drivers who are part of the 10 taxi associations that fall under the ETLC umbrella.

Chairperson of Eastern Taxi Liaison Committee Jabulani Ntshangase encourages two taxi drivers, Sbonelo Xaba and Elias Mkwanyana to put passengers first to avoid accidents.Photo: Refentse Makgamatha

Chairperson of the committee Jabulani Ntshangase said, “All the associations under ETLC should be reported to us. Our role is to ensure all taxi operations on the eastern side of Joburg, run peacefully, efficiently and obey the rules of the road at all times. The committee is under the South African National Taxi Council, we are here to speak to the drivers to remind them that the commuters’ safety comes first.”

Strategic manager Bongani Buthelezi, Ward 93 councillor Candice James, skills trainer Vusi Makhanya, chairperson Jabulani Ntshangase, secretary Violet Motaung and social developer Christine Ngoma. *Photo: Refentse Makgamatha*

Strategic manager of the committee Bongani Buthelezi said, “We have come up with different rewards for the taxi industry, we will be rewarding driver of the month, quarter and the year.

“We are going to try and up the prices as we go along, driver of the month will get tracksuits and some sort of incentive which we haven’t yet decided on the amount. This will encourage drivers to behave well on the roads and drive accordingly, so that is our primary goal. Also, we are looking into offering drivers first aid, professional driving and firefighting training.”

Chairperson of the committee Jabulani Ntshangase, skills trainer Vusi Mkhanya, resident Morag Campbell, strategic manager Bongani Buthelezi and Ward 93 councillor Candice James.Photo: Refentse Makgamatha

Secretary of the committee Violet Motaung said, “On this WhatsApp site, we want commuters to report not only good driving but also bad driving. We will need them to send us the taxi number plate, the association which should be on a sticker on the car and the type of taxi, then send a complaint or compliment.”

In charge of disciplining drivers is Addy Ledwaba. “Drivers reported for bad driving will first be reprimanded by myself then if they receive more complaints, the issue will be reported to their respective associations then taken to the police if all fails.”

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