Two days ahead of the Soccer World Cup kick-off, taxi drivers driving from downtown Johannesburg to Soweto said they were unhappy about being excluded from transportation plans ahead of the tournament.
They told the Mail & Guardian that although they were excited about the World Cup and were supporting Bafana Bafana, they failed to see how they would benefit from the soccer spectacle.
On Tuesday, Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo announced that nearly half of the minibus taxis operating between Soweto and Ellis Park would be removed from the Rea Vaya bus-rapid transit system’s 25,5km route.
In return for handing in the taxis, owners have been promised shares in a new bus operating company.
The M&Ginterviewed four Soweto Taxi Services (STS) drivers at the Bree Taxi Rank on Wednesday and asked them their thoughts.
“I Just bought this vuvuzela now because it was announced in the media that at noon we should all pull out vuvuzelas and make it world famous, ” Albert Salke (43) told the M&G.
Holding his red vuvuzela, Salke blew like his life depended on it.
Salke has been a taxi driver for eight years.
He first worked at the Chamber of Mines before joining the taxi industry when he lost his job.
As an STS driver, he moves from Bree to Soweto, going through Old Potch Road, Chiawelo, Pimville, Merafe and Protea Glen before reaching Ellis Park.
Salke said he joined the taxi industry because “it was all black and it was easy to find a job there”.
He is evidently excited about the World Cup.
“It will bring all nations together, it’s a rainbow thing and it’s going to unite us.”
“The world is coming to South Africa.”
Mail & Guardian: How do you see yourself benefiting from the World Cup?
Albert Salke: Well, the more people who come to South Africa the more work I’ve got, so I will be riding on and on and on until late.
M&G: When Rea Vaya was first introduced, some taxi drivers were furious. They were against the transport system because they said that it was going to take way their customers.Do you feel this way?
AS: It is all about customer care. If we care for our customers I don’t think they are going to win because we taxi drivers care for kasi [the township]. We stay in kasi and our people are kasi people.
M&G: Have you ever considered looking for a job with the BRT?
AS: There have been too many wars on the BRT, like the burning of the buses where drivers and passengers were hurt; if it were peaceful I would join.
‘I don’t want to miss a single game’
Bongani Msimango (35) is behind Bafana Bafana 130 % and is hoping to get a day off on Friday when South Africa plays against Mexico.
“I don’t want to miss a single game of Bafana Bafana, and should they lose on Friday they should just sleep as Soccer City,” he said.
Msimango fears the excitement in the country will result in the economy coming to a standstill.
“I don’t think a lot of companies will be functioning because everyone wants to see himself or herself watching the first game and the first World Cup to be hosted in Africa . So I don’t think there are going to be people who are going to want to work.”
Msimango plans to head to a fan park and enjoy a few drinks while watching the game on Friday.
M&G: Do you see your customers increasing now that South Africa will be hosting the World Cup?
Bongani Msimango: I won’t say that, but our prayer and hope is that we could also be included and be involved in the transportation of people to the stadiums so that we could get more business. I’m just hoping that they would involve us as well.
M&G: How do you think more taxi drivers could have been involved?
BM: They should have said taxis should use the same routes as the BRT, so that people can be there early.
M&G: Were you involved in transporting sports fans to stadiums during the Confederations Cup?
BM: During the Confederations Cup, unfortunately, again I was not involved but some of my colleagues were and they did a splendid job. Considering that they were meant to be involved again during the World Cup.
M&G: So how come you weren’t involved during the Confederations Cup?
BM: My boss has many taxis so he took some of them. We couldn’t all be involved. So they took some of my colleagues and I was left behind.
M&G: Do you enjoy being a taxi driver?
BM:Since 2003 I have enjoyed being a taxi driver until currently. It’s no longer worthwhile to be one because business is decreasing. There is so much competition in terms of transportation and there is lots of unemployment in South Africa. People are no longer working; you can’t transport people without work. Where would they be going because they are not working? They don’t have money so they won’t board taxis.
M&G: How much do you earn?
BM: As a taxi driver you earn by what you do. The more money you bring to your boss the more money he gives to you. So the less you bring the less you get. I drive a 22- seater Sprinter and usually make eight loads.
Busy schedule
Andrew Mlangeni (53) said the introduction of the BRT had decreased his opportunity of making money.
He won’t be watching any games at the stadium because “I don’t have the kind of money to buy Soccer World Cup tickets, but I will obviously watch from my television at home”.
Mlangeni said his busy schedule is another reason he can’t make it to the stadium.
“I am always busy driving the taxi. People want transport to go to work and various other places. I am always a busy man.”
Joseph Zondo (50) agreed.
The taxi owner and driver has been in the industry for more than 30 years.
“This World Cup has brought the BRT to take our jobs. We are not benefiting out of this World Cup.
Zondo said he had heard about the agreement reached by the City of Johannesburg and the Greater Johannesburg Taxi association about removing taxis from the BRT route, but believes all associations should have been consulted.
“They must come to all associations and tell us that.”