The Women chairperson of the South Africa National Taxi Council (SANTACO), Dudu Maphumulo, has urged for gender equality in the taxi industry, emphasizing that women should also be given opportunities to operate taxis.
Maphumulo made this plea during the KwaMashu Taxi Association’s Commemoration Day in eThekwini on June 22.
Maphumulo lamented that in the past, the taxi industry was seen as a male-dominated field, and women were often marginalized.
“It’s high time we recognize the valuable contribution of women in this industry. In the past, men would own up to 10 taxis, while women were limited to only five, and if a woman’s taxi was repossessed, she would be told to relinquish her remaining taxis, yet men were allowed to keep their taxis,” Maphumulo said.
He also highlighted the challenges women face in the industry, including being denied access to certain routes and being forced to pay higher fees than men. “Women are often turned away when they try to obtain route permit, and when they do get them, they are restricted to specific routes, which are often less profitable,” Maphumulo explained.
To address these issues, SANTACO has established a “Women Taxi” committee aimed at empowering women in the taxi industry. Maphumulo expressed hope that one day, men will recognize the importance of gender equality in the taxi industry and that everyone will be treated fairly, regardless of gender.
