BLOEMFONTEIN: Local taxi operators, specifically those operating in sedan vehicles in the greater townships of Bloemfontein’s metropolitan area, are taking steps to support needy learners through a self-initiated partnership project called the 4+ 1 Family Help Centre.

They have partnered with the BP Action filling station in Bochabela to demonstrate that taxi operators can be a force for positive change in the community.

The first act came in the donation of brand-new jerseys to a group of 60 learners at the Maranga Primary School in Bloemfontein on 1 August. The school is the first beneficiary of this charity initiative, intended to also aid community centres by rendering essential services towards children.

“Taxi owners, including operators, are known for just generating income and wanting support from the community,” said Dira Mohlabayi, BP Action manager and spokesperson.

“We decided on helping school-attending children as the best possible way of contributing to the same community on which the taxi industry depends, be it in terms of the public boarding taxi’s to fulfil their personal needs or commute to work.”

Mohlabayi said the filling station decided to support the specific group of taxi operators involved in the initiative after being inspired by a few operators who led by example.

“They contributed, daily, a certain amount towards ensuring the project gets the opportunity to take off, following the first meeting where the idea was birthed. It is encouraging and heart-warming to help the children.”

Mohlabayi said the jersey donation was necessary to help children fend off the winter cold.

Mava Jeje, headmaster of Marang, expressed joy due to the goodwill gesture.

“We are delighted, and also thankful, for receiving the donation of jerseys, particularly this group of learners whose parents cannot afford it due to them being unemployed. The number of learners facing this plight are high,” said Jeje.