LIMPOPO – As Mzansi continues to celebrate Women’s Month, Thandi Bjang (35) is one of the many women who break boundaries in her field of work, aiming to leave a lasting legacy in the taxi industry.
Bjang from Mafefe village says her gender did not stop her from driving a taxi. She calls her white quantum “her little angel”.
She says since joining the taxi industry in 2010, everyone, including the queue marshalls, love her work and good treatment towards their passengers.
After seven years in the taxi industry, Bjang says she now believes that there is nothing meant to be done by men only and that a woman being a taxi driver is not a miracle.
Bjang drives 120 km everyday from Polokwane to Mafefe.
She says when she started, passengers refused to use her taxi because of her gender, however today communters can’t wait to jump into the taxi driven by her.
Bjang told CV that she dreamt of being a nurse while growing up but unfortunately she couldn’t make it.
“I love my job and I really enjoy being part of the industry,” she said.
She added that she has four children whom she provides for with the money she generates from her work.
“At first, I was the laughing stock in the industry as I was the only woman who drove a taxi but that didn’t discourage me,” she added.
“I love my Quantum and I feel comfortable when driving it,” she said cheerfully.
When asked how she communicates with fellow drivers, she said she is entertained daily by the language used in the industry, which makes her love her job more.
Taxi owner, Lesegisha Kgasago, says he’s proud of the great work done by his employee.
“We need to bring more women into the taxi industry,” said Kgasago.
He added that people used to question him on his decision to hire a woman at first.
“Today I receive several calls from different people telling me about her great work ethic.
“Thandi serves people well in this industry and that makes me proud of her,” he concluded.
