A taxi driver from Tshisaulu, Livhuwani Mamorobela, achieved second place in the male taxi driver category of the Department of Transport and Community Safety's Driver of the Year competition. The awards ceremony for this prestigious event took place on 26 October at Bolivia Lodge, outside Polokwane.
Drivers competed across six categories: Rigid Trucks, Articulated Trucks, Light Delivery Vans, Rigid Truck with Trailer, and male and female Bus and Taxi divisions.
The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, highlighted that the main objective of the competition was to improve the driving skills of drivers across the country. "This also assists in reducing accidents on our roads. Many lives will be saved through this programme," she said.
Mamorobela, who operates under the Vuwani Taxi Association, was awarded R10,000 and a trophy as the runner-up in the male-taxi-driver category. He has been driving taxis since 2014, although he has been driving vehicles for much longer. His day begins at 05:00 to reach the taxi rank early and secure a spot in the queue. Each day, he drives more than 300 km, transporting clients between Vuwani and Thohoyandou.
"My job can be very stressful, but I was very happy and proud to receive this award. This is a huge achievement for me, and I hope it inspires other men to realise their potential as drivers," Mamorobela said.
The award for best male bus driver went to T.A. Mamphaga from Sekhukhune, while D. Rikhotso from Sekhukhune won in the women's bus-driver section. In other categories, E. Khuto from Sekhukhune took the top spot for best LDV bakkie driver, and A. Mashego from Sekhukhune was named best rigid truck driver.
The best Female Taxi Driver award was won by H. Ramonyai, while E. Dikgale, also from Capricorn District, took first place in the male-taxi-driver category.