Taxi drivers challenged to be more polite
MIDRAND – What can be done to keep taxi passengers safe?
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) recently launched Operation Hlokomela, a safety awareness programme in Ivory Park and addressed the community and taxi drivers. Hlokomela means take care.
In attendance were representatives from the greater Johannesburg region, leadership of Santaco in Gauteng, and local councillors of the City of Joburg. The secretary of Ivory Park Taxi Association Sam Sibisi said the operation seeks to reduce road accidents.
“Speakers at the event, including the president of Santaco, Phillip Taaibosch, emphasised the need for us all to be responsible citizens. [We need] to ensure all our commuters arrive safely [at] their… destinations. Killing one passenger is too many [in] our industry,” he said.
Drivers were challenged to respect themselves so that, in turn, commuters can respect them; and to drive safely and create a good relationship between the driver and the commuters. Taxi owners were urged to not give people without driver’s licences their vehicles, as the owners will be held responsible by the taxi association when his or her driver is charged with negligent or reckless driving. Owners should also ensure vehicles are roadworthy.
“As the taxi council, we are committed to, one day, having a crash-free day in South Africa – if we work together,” said Sibisi.
The council is planning an awards ceremony to honour taxi drivers, owners and the staff who drive well and safely. The best driver will receive a house, valued at R500 000 while the owner will walk away with a brand-new Quantum.
