VOICE OF JOBURG: Tuk-tukking in the city
BRAAMFONTEIN – Sandiso Ndlovu can be found outside the Bannister Hotel on De Beer Street in Braamfotein and he’s easy to spot because he’s most likely sitting in his tuk-tuk, waiting for a fare.
The charismatic father of two is a Brixton resident and revealed that he’s been working at the flourishing e-tuktuk company for around five months and the best part of the job is meeting the people in Braam.
“You meet people that you create relationships with and then you grow and develop those relationships,” he said.
He added that the vibe along De Beer Street is great. “There is an interesting mix of people. In Braamfontein, you get people from all over. People come from as far as Pretoria to check out the area, so that’s the nice part about it.”
However, he stated that when he first arrived in the area, he wasn’t exactly greeted with open arms. Ndlovu’s new spot outside the Bannister Hotel caused a ripple of concern among the taxi drivers who often cruise around the area.
“Going to any new place, you always meet a bit of resistance from the people who have been there for a while, like the meter taxi guys and the normal mini-bus taxis. People think that you’re trying to come into their space and take away the customers,” he explained.
He admitted that he’s been threatened a few times but refuses to call the culprits out on their bluff. Better safe than sorry, we always say!
“I feel with the tuk-tuk, you’re in a different space all of your own because you’re trying to bridge the gap.” He explained that many visitors to the area want to visit the markets, but don’t want to walk. The mini-bus taxis don’t go that far and the meter taxis would charge a large fare for the ride, whereas his tuk-tuk is a fast, cheaper way to get there. “I think we’re just there to meet those small stops within the area that people need to get to.”
Ndlovu is also excited to see how the city is evolving. “I love how the city is coming together. People were moving out of the city and now people are coming back. It’s just the issue of petty crime that needs to be dealt with, but I think it’s a step in the right direction.”
If you ever need a quick ride while you’re out and about, you can catch Sandiso outside the Bannister Hotel, or give e-tuktuk a call.
Details: www.e-tuktuk.co.za
