Transporters of the masses feeling the pinch
Taxis left more than half empty in an attempt to flatten the curve
One of the most iconic images etched in the minds of South Africans is that of the minibus taxi. The Toyota HiAce, and more recently its modern evolution, the Quantum, have mythical status on our roads. Opinions are strong but the importance of these vehicles and those that drive them can not be refuted.
Even after being declared an essential service, the usually swarming area outside Clearwater Mall is left with only a handful of taxis as demand is reduced to a temporary trickle. “We know the lockdown is good to stop corona, but for us not so much,” said Dobsonville Roodepoort Leratong Johannesburg Taxi Association (DORLJOTA) driver Qixubekani Mthunzi.
The drivers receive payments from the association on a weekly basis so the effects will only be fully felt in the weeks to come. “We will only know at the end of the week but taxis have been more than half empty,” claimed DORLJOTA driver Sthembiso Ruma. “We have been sticking to the minister’s order to not put so many people in the taxi,” he continued.
Fellow driver, Xoli Bhembe, confirmed that they have not had any trouble with police while waiting at the once bustling rank, saying, “They have come to check that we are not overloading, so everything is okay.”
The drivers remain upbeat though knowing that eventually the trading will resume and they will once again be the ones transporting the nation.
