KwaDukuza’s only female taxi driver is queen of the road
Mam' Mroza takes challenges in her stride
Bongiwe “‘Mroza” Mkhwanazi stands out as the only female KwaDukuza Long-Distance Taxi Association driver.
Thriving in the male-dominated industry, the Doringkop mother of three has been a taxi driver for 14 years.
What started out as an opportunity to gain experience in the taxi industry and improve her driving skills, quickly became a passion she couldn’t walk away from.
“I began in 2010 and was welcomed with open arms and made a family. Here, we look after each other,” said Mkhwanazi.
Known for her loud, charismatic personality, the 43-year-old has become a popular figure at the taxi rank and is treated with respect by her colleagues.
She juggles family responsibilities while tackling the daily challenge of making a living behind the wheel. She reports for duty at 6am and works until 7pm, Monday to Sunday, doing local and long-distance trips.
“I interact with my customers. We make jokes and the rides become fun, so it never becomes boring” she said.
As the only woman who drives taxis in the iLembe district, Mroza sometimes receives gifts from passengers who admire her for doing a job considered for men only.
But compliments are more the exception than the rule.
“I was once insulted by a passenger who thought I didn’t get her to her destination fast enough, but I held my own,” she said.
Despite the challenges, including concerns about safety with rising hijacking incidents in KZN, Mroza remains committed to her work.
Over the years, she has made friends, many of whom are now like family.
“Mam’ Mroza is a mother to all of us at the taxi rank,” said fellow taxi driver, Ayanda Mpanza.
As a long-distance driver, Mroza sometimes has to sleep at the taxi rank to ensure she gets the first load of passengers out on time. “Taxi seats become my bed.”
Driving taxis is her bread and butter, but the satisfaction she derives from her job means she is not looking to stop anytime soon.
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