MALA mogodu, succulent chicken, and tender skopo (smiley) served with pap, samp, or dumplings are just a few of the scrumptious and soul-satisfying delights rooted in culture that's served up at the taxi rank - from Randburg to Bree, you're spoiled for choice.
Food markets have grown increasingly popular in South Africa, but the original has to be the taxi rank!
Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, an array of flavours can be found on the streets surrounding transport hubs.
With taxis transporting over 15 million commuters every day in South Africa, according to Statistics SA's 2020 Household Survey, the food business can be a lucrative one at the country's biggest taxi ranks. But it's more than just a business, and it's a coming together of community.
With a dash of spice here and a swirl of sauce there, these small business owners at the taxi rank precinct use ingredients available to them to make mouth-watering cuisine. The inspired African hearty meals are made to nourish the mind, body, and soul of many foodies.
While some cuisines have new side dishes such as fried cabbage, creamy spinach, and salsa, the creative flair of cooking is what motivates these self-employed vendors to wake up at 4am every day and prepare for the day ahead. Combining pleasant and satisfying depth of flavour is what made them pursue their passion.
Self-employed business owner Olga Thole (39) from Cosmo City, Roodepoort, told SNL24: "Customer service is the key to our success because it helps us to retain customers. We treat them as if they are the only ones buying from us. Hygiene is also very important because we are selling food. Even our surroundings must be clean."
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"I started selling in 2010. I'm a trained paramedic, but it was hard for me to get a job. I then noticed that there are other ways to earn a living other than being stressed by being jobless. The rest is history. I'm able to support my five kids and employ two assistants with my kitchen," she said.
John Nkomo (53) from Zola in Soweto echoed Olga's sentiment: "Look, I've been here for almost 18 years selling food like sheep's head and feet. I've never been threatened by my competitor who sells the same thing. He can sell to as many people as he can because we each have our own customers."
