LIMPOPO – Waking up at the crack of dawn is no problem for Azwianewi Ramuntshi, to ensure her spot in the queue at the taxi rank.
Known to be a male dominating industry, Ramuntshi is the only female long-distance taxi driver on route Sibasa to Johannesburg.
“My day starts early every morning. I wake up at 03:00 to make sure I get in front of the line. Especially in the first week of a month, we are the busiest. I have to make sure I give my male colleagues a run for their money,” she said jokingly.
Ramutshi joined the taxi industry in 2008 and has not looked back since. She says she enjoys every moment of her job.
“My journey as a taxi driver started in Gauteng, where I used to do local trips during the week, and on weekends I transported goods from Gauteng to Limpopo. In 2013 I decided that I wanted to spread my wings, so I challenged myself and joined the long-distance taxi industry, where I transported commuters from Sibasa to Johannesburg. I faced many challenges, because most of the passengers didn’t believe I could drive long distance, because I am a woman. They use to swear at me, thinking I will not be able to take them to where they need to go in time,” she said.
Her big dream is to one day own her own taxi. “I know the pros and cons of the industry. But for now, with the little money I make, I am able to take care of my children and ensure we have a comfortable life.”
Being a taxi driver is often an overlooked job, but supports many families, she told CV.
In terms of her clients, Azwianewi believes there is no other way but to be professional: “I believe the customer is always right and I speak well with them. I handle my customers with respect and whenever I encounter a problem, I talk to the queue marshal”.
Her advice to other women is to stop thinking that the taxi industry is a man’s world.
“It’s a job like any other. If you have valid driver’s licence and you can drive well, and you have a professional driving permit (PDP), you can become a taxi driver. Don’t go to bed hungry because you belittle the job we do.
“Women can do away with the mentality that the taxi industry is only meant for men and I would like to see other women join the industry to support their families.”
