By Celani Sikhakhane
Taxi drivers at the Connor Taxi rank in Estcourt, in KwaZulu-Natal, shocked their bosses by arriving at work on Friday dressed as married women after being warned about coming to work dirty.
Some taxi owners nearly ran for cover, unable to recognise their drivers, who were behind the wheels of their minibus taxis in new attire.
Bongani Mabaso, from the Estcourt Taxi Association, told Scrolla.Africa that the drivers’ surprise move made them proud, showing that the drivers were finally taking complaints seriously, particularly those related to their behaviour towards women.
“We called a meeting with our Connor Street Taxi drivers to address the hygiene issues that were concerning passengers. They listened and started dressing sharply, especially on Mondays, ensuring they were clean and smelled good to impress passengers.
“We told them we were happy with their efforts and also asked them to smoke their cigarettes in private, away from passengers. They complied, but on Friday, they took us by surprise when they showed up dressed like women,” said Mabaso.
He said all the taxi owners were shocked as the drivers were unrecognisable, as they wore makeup, lipstick and carried women’s handbags.
Mabaso added that after the surprise, the drivers modelled on the streets of Estcourt, which delighted many onlookers. The drivers explained they did this in honour of Women’s Month.
“We are glad to see these young men changing. They even think of honouring women now, as they did on Friday. We then told them that in September, they should come to work in traditional attire to align with the Heritage Month theme,” he said.
Mabaso expressed his satisfaction with the positive changes in the taxi industry, noting that the once notorious drivers are now embracing discipline and respect.
Pictured Above: Taxi drivers at the Connor Taxi rank in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal dressed as women on Friday.
Source: Supplied
