FOR many years the taxi industry was characterised by raging wars of bloodshed and fear.
The violence forced scores of taxi owners and drivers out of the industry without the hope of a reliable income to keep their minibus taxis repaired.
But the formation of Greater Westonaria Transport Services sets an example of empowering members emotionally and financially.
“We are the only transport service that contributes to bereaved families by transporting them to funerals,” said chairman Themba Shelembe.
Deputy chairman Galebonye Legae said: “The eight-member executive is voted into power which encourages good customer care.
“We have an executive committee meeting every Tuesday where we discuss business problems and share ideas on how to solve them.
“Every Wednesday we hold management committee meetings where the members meet with the board of executives,” Shelembe said.
“At every meeting each member contributes R70 which is deposited into the services’ account. This money is mostly used to help cover the minibus maintenance costs. We also serve soft drinks at the meetings and we also hold workshops on how to treat and manage clients better.”
