By Mpho Modiba
PHALABORWA-When the price of petrol soars and taxi associations raise their fares, scores of travellers all over the country opt for hitchhiking, even though they don’t know who the motorist is.
In recent times, there have been gruesome incidents in which hitchhikers were robbed of their valuable belongings while travelling with strangers after being picked up at hiking spots. In some of the dreadful incidents, women were murdered after they were robbed and raped.
Phalaborwa taxi Que Marshall Oupa Zaba (48) appeals to residents of Ba-Phalaborwa to stop hiking and approach them when they have difficulties so that they can see how best to assist them because when they hike they are victimised.
Zaba joined the taxi industry in 1981 and has never looked back. He says he is good with customers and even takes care of elders to ensure that they are sitting in a comfortable seat in a taxi.
“Whenever a female passenger arrives with a baby I take them to the front seat to ensure that they sit safely. I don’t like violence, I always prefer peace,” Zaba said.
Commuters say he is the most reliable taxi marshall who helps passengers with information about which taxis they must ferry to Namakgale, Maswikeng, Score, Dikhefing, Megabus, Top Ville, Foskor and Mandela Village. He helps them to load their bags and groceries.
He is loved by many people including learners who study in Phalaborwa town.
“Most passengers love listening to music so I give them a taxi that has music so that they can enjoy their journey home,” he added.
