POLOKWANE – Local operators complain that lately, they have been patrolling the streets at night to ensure safety, but that some residents still opt to hitch-hike their way to town.
Slash Machaka, deputy president of the Seshego Polokwane Taxi Association says they struggle with hitch-hiking especially in Market Street where commuters are often picked up by motorists to travel to Ladanna, Seshego, Emdo Park and even Moletjie.
“We need to feed families and take our children to school with the money we make. We are all struggling and by them hitch-hiking, they take the money from our pockets.”
He says even long-distance taxi associations feel the brunt of the situation as it causes severe losses.
“At the pick-up spot in Thabi Mbheki Street, commuters often mingle with nyaope boys who assist them to catch a lift in exchange for money. This has been going on for some time and unfortunately the law does not allow us to forbid this.”
The chairperson of the Mankweng Taxi Association, Charles Sefoko, says they take issue with the multiple hiking spots in Grobler Street, starting from Biccard Street all the way to the R71 in Dalmada. He says they have previously pleaded with commuters to support them and to think about their safety on the roads.
“The thing about hiking is that it is not regulated and when you step into a car you are not completely sure whose car you are stepping into. You never know if you will reach home and that is the guarantee that a taxi will give you. We are all feeling the financial effect of the pandemic, if you don’t have enough money to catch a taxi home, rather come to us and we will find a solution.”
