Chairperson of the Uncedo Taxi Association, Mnikelo Mbopha, appealed to drivers and the passengers to obey each on this festive season.
Mbopha said this in a prayer that was hosted by this Association in Mthatha, last week. He said that they were appealing to God to protect those who will be travelling to different areas during this festive season. Mbopha confirmed that they were not praying for Mthatha only, but for all South Africans to be safe.
He confirmed that they want to change their name of being known as the Taxi Industry, but to be known as businesses from now onwards.
He added that to ensure that they fulfil their dream they visited three schools around King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality where they assisted where they could.
According to him, they also bought groceries for some of the homesteads in Ngqeleni who are less fortunate.
“We will do more projects next year, because we want people to see that we have changed, and we are also human beings. We also wish to work together with government to bring change in our societies.”
Reverend Nodumo Vava from Uniting Methodist Church of Southern Africa appealed to passengers to stop hitchhiking, stating that they are putting their lives at risk.
She said that they are happy because the taxi industry is showing their customers that they are also human beings.
“As passengers we must work together with taxi drivers and show unity and respect because we need each other. In public transport no-one is allowed to drink alcohol, because they create problems. Also drivers must make sure that they rest to avoid accidents on the road. Even community members, because they also disturb drivers so they must teach themselves to behave well in order to avoid unnecessary accidents which can lead to death,” said Vava.
