By Theodorah waga Mawasha
KGAPANE-As the country continues to observe women’s month, Tzaneen Voice honours influential women in Mopani District. A woman who stands out in a crowd, a pioneer and trailblazer, is Mme Christina Rangwato from Kgapane, in the Greater Letaba Municipality.
Rangwato reflected on her journey in the taxi industry and how she started as a driver. She said that being a taxi driver is what paved the way towards her achievements.
However, she mentioned that her passion lies elsewhere as she would have liked to be a Doctor but her parents had no money to pay her tuition fees, for her to pursue her first love.
In any case, she was never deterred by her circumstances. Today, she is the proud owner of four taxis. She also founded Mabaroka transportation, to add to her achievements she has a construction company and has a catering business attached to her name, where she has employed over ten people.
“I was a driving instructor at a certain driving school and the company closed down. I knew I had to do something with my knowledge and expertise when I lost that job. I had been in that space for six long years and had people who I had taught how to drive owning their taxis.
I asked for a job from one of them who reluctantly gave me a chance to be a driver of one of his taxis. In a short space of time, I had earned the love of my co-workers and the taxi organization BUTA promoted me to an executive position as a treasurer. From that point on, I knew that I was destined for greater things “. She recollected.
Rangwato highlighted the plight of being a woman in a male-dominated space and the challenges that come with it and said that, it is something that government must look into and tackle head-on.
“I commend Bolobedu United Taxi Association for being a peaceful organization and space for me. I don’t think I would have come this far if it was like other organizations in other provinces where we see bloodshed and killing day in and out. Women must not be anxious about this business. They must approach us and we will help them to work in the taxi business to feed their families “. she continued.
The businesswoman told Tzaneen Voice that, it pains her to see women staying in toxic relationships in the name of love. She reiterated that the notion popular with Africans” holding the sharp end of the knife(go tshwara thipa ka bogaleng) ” should be done away with, as it is what kills a lot of women.
“Women must stand up for their rights. We must leave toxic spaces. I am disgusted by Gender-Based Violence. Women must get out of situations that don’t benefit them. Let us use women’s month to educate our girl children about these social ills. It is for the greater good”. She concluded.
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