THIS week, SunWheels went to Greenfield in Hammanskraal to meet Phanuel and his wild horse.
Every work week, Phanuel Mkhabela transports goods around the small North Tshwane town in his flatbed bakkie. It has a “roof bed” too.
Q: What car do you drive?
A: I drive a modified machine – a 1996 Isuzu KB 200 with a Toyota engine.
Q: When did you buy it?
A: I bought it four years ago from a Tshwane company that specialises in customising vehicles.
Q: Is it your first vehicle?
A: It is my third.
Q: Why do love this bakkie?
A: It is strong enough to take what I load on it without difficulty. It is easy to maintain and has a good fuel efficiency. The roof bed helps me transport more than a regular bakkie would be able to do.
Q: Would you lend it to anyone?
A: No, I treat it as if it is my wife. I will not lend it to anyone – not even a family member.
Q: Does it have a name?
A: My kids called it Sgovi.
Q: Why did you choose that colour?
A: I did not choose the colour but I don’t mind it. The colour is not important.
Q: Did you change anything?
A: Yes, I had the Isuzu engine replaced with a Toyota Hilux 2,7 engine.
Q: How far have you travelled in it?
A: Last week I drove it to Joburg but over the past few years, I have driven it to Limpopo more than once. It is good on long distance trips.
Q: Do you have driver’s licence?
A: Yes. I got my licence back in 2010.
Q: How often do you get traffic fines.
A: I was ticketed twice for speeding since I’ve had it but that’s all.
Q: What do you think of other Mzansi road users?
A: I think most of us are bad drivers otherwise we would not be on the wrong side of the law all the time.
I am guilty of speeding but I know it is wrong so I avoid doing it.
Some drivers drink and drive and when they do, they also speed which makes them doubly dangerous on the road.
