Ms Florah Rambau from Mashamba won the provincial Female Taxi Driver of the Year title in the Department of Transport and Community Safety's Taxi Driver of the Year competition. The prize-giving function was held at the Ranch Hotel, outside Polokwane, on Saturday, 29 October.
The mother of three operates her taxi service under the Tshitale Taxi Association. "My job can be very stressful, but I was very happy and proud to receive this award. This is a huge achievement for me. I think it might also inspire other women to realise that they are as capable as men," said the excited woman. "This is good. It is God's will, and I am very grateful to Him. I am now aiming to win the national title, so that I can become a world champion." Rambau won R10 000 in cash and a trophy.
The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Florence Radzilani, said that several activities took place during October's Transport Month to celebrate the important role transport played in our social and economic lives. She said they were very proud of Rambau and the other male drivers' achievements.
According to Radzilani, the main objective of the competition is to improve the driving skills of male and female taxi drivers around the country. The competition runs at national level. "We are pleased to see that the number of participants for this year' competition had increased dramatically, especially as more women also took part. It shows that people are taking the competition very seriously. This will also assist in terms of reducing accidents on our roads, where a lot of lives will be saved through this programme," said Radzilani.
The overall winner of the competition and Driver of the Year winner in the male category was T M Mahlare of the Nebo Taxi Association. The second place went to N Mathebula of the Giyani Taxi Association, while P D Nchabeleng of the Masemola Taxi Association won third place.
In the female category, Rambau was flanked by T Mulaudzi of the Polokwane-Sibasa Taxi Association in second place and M B Kwetepane of the Mankweng Taxi Association in third place.