PROMISE Mohlala has followed in the footsteps of her late mother Gloria, who was a taxi owner and driver.
This after the 25-year-old engineering student from Emalahleni in Mpumalanga struggled to find a job.
She then decided to go into the taxi industry in 2020 and transports school kids and locals. She started working as a full-time taxi driver last month.
“I took over my mother’s business because staying home was not an option. This was my way of making money, supporting myself and avoiding depression,” she said.
She said her family was a bit sceptical, but had high hopes for her as time went by.
Promise said although her job came with challenges, she’s enjoying every moment.
“A lot of people haven’t gotten used to a woman driving a taxi,” she said.
She said that her colleagues were shocked to see her at the rank at first, but ended up accepting her.
“I was scared because male taxi drivers don’t have the greatest record, but they welcomed me and are actually over protective of me because I am the only girl. They are very nice,” she said.
Promise said people should do away with perceptions that taxi drivers are uneducated. She said she planned to continue with her studies. Promise is affiliated with the Emalahleni Local Taxi Association.
The chairman, Solly Vilane, said Promise is not the first female driver to join the association, but she’s the youngest.
“It’s encouraging to see a young woman join our space,” he said.
Taxi driver Thulane Phehla said he admired Promise’s courage.
Another driver, Tom Marime, said: “She has our full support. We’re happy for her and will protect her all the way.”