Women’s Day discussed with local female taxi driver

Thirty-five-year-old Tsakani Nkuna who is a female taxi driver starts her day at 04:00 every day because she has to get to the taxi rank early to hold a spot in the queue.

Tsakani works at the DORLJOTA taxi ranks and transports commuters in Roodepoort from the early hours of the morning till the evening.

The determined driver told the Record that being a taxi driver has taught her many skills as drivers deal with all types of people.

There were some male drivers at the rank who were supportive and offered assistance on several occasions, whereas some passengers were sympathetic and others were rude and unfriendly.

Nkuna who hails from Dobsonville shared her views on gender equality within the taxi industry with the Record:

• What does Women’s Day or month mean to you?

Women’s Day for me is all about celebrating the achievements of women in our country including my own mother and sister who fought for us as women.

• How would you address the cultural issues that form the background of the gender pay gap?

The issue of the gender pay gap in our country is very serious because of the fact the men are still getting paid more than women; but in our industry it is not a big issue because we get paid based on how you work during the week (average target).

• What are the most effective ways to counteract the negative stereotypes of feminism, especially in the workplace?

The problems that I have faced in this industry are having to deal with the many different kinds of passengers and how to make my targets while driving on our poor, hazardous roads.

• Why haven’t we achieved equality, despite legislation in place regarding pay?

In the taxi industry we are mostly equal to men when it comes to our salaries. It depends on how we work in that particular week.

• What would you change about the assumptions men make about women?

I think that women and men are equal and men should be taught that women do have that same impact that men have in the society; women can do all the things men can do.

• How do you succeed in a male-dominated environment?

For me it’s all about praying and determination as well as believing that one can make it in life, while self-belief remains the most important.

• What can men do to help achieve equality?

Men need to do more in terms of supporting and encouraging us. This will show us that we are not taken for granted and that we are appreciated.