Honouring the System That Gets Us Where We Need to Go

October marks Transport Month, a time to recognise the systems, people, and places that keep our country moving. From city buses to minibus taxis, these everyday vehicles carry the heartbeat of the nation, connecting millions of South Africans to work, school, and family.

The minibus taxi industry was born out of necessity. During apartheid, black South Africans were pushed far from cities and work opportunities. Public transport options were limited and unreliable. So, communities created their own solution; the taxi.

According to a recent article in IOL, this informal system grew into an essential part of South Africa’s economy, now transporting more than 15 million commuters daily and contributing billions of rand to the economy (Source: iol.co.za). The industry’s roots lie in resilience and community, a story of ordinary people filling a gap left by the state.

But like any growing system, the taxi industry faces challenges: road safety, lack of regulation, and competition for routes. Despite these, taxis remain a symbol of survival and independence, proving that people can create their own systems when formal ones fail them.

Commuting can be stressful. Many South Africans wake up before sunrise to queue for taxis, face traffic jams, and arrive home long after dark. Over time, this daily stress can affect mental health, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and frustration.

Small improvements, like safer roads, proper shelters at ranks, better vehicle maintenance, and courteous service, can make a huge difference to commuters’ sense of well-being. When our journeys are safer and smoother, our minds can rest easier too.

Safety on the road: responsibility for all

Transport Month also calls us to think about road safety. South Africa still records high numbers of road accidents, many involving public transport vehicles.

For the taxi industry, safety starts with everyone:

·       Drivers must avoid overloading, speeding, and reckless behaviour.

·       Taxi owners should keep vehicles roadworthy.

·       Authorities must enforce rules and inspect vehicles regularly.

·       Commuters can speak up against unsafe driving and refuse to board overloaded taxis.

·       Safer roads protect not just taxi passengers, but pedestrians, schoolchildren, and motorists too.

More than a ride: the community around taxis

Beyond moving people, the taxi industry supports thousands of informal jobs that keep our townships and cities alive. At every rank, traders sell food, fruit, snacks, and airtime to commuters. Car washers, shoe repairers, and street vendors earn a living through the constant movement of people.

These small businesses feed families and add vibrancy to local economies. Taxi ranks are more than transport hubs they are community spaces where people share stories, laugh, and look out for one another. The sense of belonging that grows in these spaces is part of what makes the taxi industry so unique.

Let’s take a moment to honour not only the vehicles that move us, but the people who make it all work, the drivers, marshals, street vendors, car washers, and commuters. Together, they form the living network that keeps South Africa going, one ride at a time.