WHEN Marriannridge taxi driver and owner, Trevor Ahmed, got into the taxi business, money was not his first priority as he serves an impoverished community.
Twenty-one years in the industry later, he has written a book called ‘Orange’, named after his beloved taxi, about his experiences, difficulties and challenges in the business.
Trevor and Orange are well-known in the community as it is hard to miss Orange, who has a unique colour.
Although Trevor grew up in the community filled with violence, gangsterism and poverty, he never gave up his dream of becoming a writer.
“The Mariannridge community has been to hell and back over the past years; the main thing on our minds was ways to survive, we never pursued our dreams and goals.”
Trevor said it was difficult when he first started as he was a ‘pirate’ as he was not registered with the association, picking up passengers along other taxi drivers’ routes.
“Although I had submitted a letter to join the Marriannridge Taxi Association, it took a while for it to be approved.”
He said he had always wanted to be in the taxi industry, since he was a child. “I have always had a passion for my community, which is why I am not in this industry to make money only, but to assist where I can, and my book is also dedicated to the Marriannridge community.
“I transport people to funerals if the grieving family cannot afford to pay for my services.”
Trevor said his book reflects the spirit of the Mariannridge community and of the taxi industry. “The book also talks about about the struggles I endured trying to get into the taxi industry. People have a wrong perception of taxis and taxi drivers, which is the main reason I wrote this book, to remove that bad stigma and get to know what the taxi industry is about.”
Orange has a rhino sticker on her which warns and plead people to stop rhino poaching.
“If we do not contribute to stop the sledge of poaching, the skeletal remains of this majestic beast will be our inheritance, a constant reminder of menace, inhumanity and insensible greed,” he said.
Trevor added that he has a special bond with Orange, which is the reason he removed her from the roads for four years when he worked as a diesel mechanic.
The taxi owner, who is now the secretary of the Mariannridge Taxi Association, said although he has had a gun pointed at his head and been in an accident in which he broke his legs, he never lost hope.
“It took me years to reach the point where I am at now. I can say the publishing of this book is a major achievement and I thank Just Done Publishing for assisting me with my book,” said Trevor.
‘Orange’ costs R120 and is an easy read with 10 chapters and 70 pages.
To get a copy, contact Trevor on 073 666 1683 or Sherine Dovey from Just Done Publications on 084 529 9639.
