Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
26 November 2024
The Vukanini Taxi Association members shed tears at their annual AGM meeting, which was hosted on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, at Lillian Ngoyi Centre in Secunda.
The meeting reflected on the challenges and achievements throughout the year 2024.
“There is a concern going around about hitchhiking, and the taxi industry will stand its ground by preventing it. We are also preventing people from being kidnapped, raped, and other negative things that can happen while hitchhiking.
People must bear in mind that we are also paying tax, and we have operating licenses to operate, so we cannot allow people to invade our space,” said Mr. Fanyana Sibanyoni, Chairperson of the Vukanini Taxi Association.
A number of the association were awarded with certificates and trophies for best driver of the year, best owner of the year, and best soccer player of the year.
All traditional leaders around Govan Mbeki Municipality also received an amount of R10 000.00 as a token of appreciation.
In remembrance of the four (4) drivers who lost their lives in the year 2021, the Mathe and Mamba families received an amount of R20 000.00 each as a deposit to purchase new taxis. Meanwhile, the other two families received registered memberships to be on the road.
“I know that all of this will not bring back their lives, but I believe that the families will know that Vukta will never neglect them,” said Mr. Sibonyani.
On behalf of the Chairperson’s awards, the former Vukta Chairperson who served two terms, Mr. Sithole received a brand new taxi and was welcomed back into the industry.
“I’ve always known that Mr. Sibonyani is a great leader, but never have I thought that I’d experience his leadership in such a huge way. I am grateful, and I will never forget this day,” said Mr. Sithole.
The Vukanini Youth Desk also received a token of appreciation for their hard work from the chairperson.
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Masilela, founder of the Vukanini Taxi Association.
