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“A trip to the Eastern Cape takes about 14 hours. Both drivers and passengers would need at least two masks to ensure hygiene and safety, but there is no government support for this. People want to visit their families in the Eastern Cape and they need to feel safe there in the taxi, ”she said. [One surgical mask is good for a trip this long. — Editor]
Said taxi owners paid R150 for a 1l bottle of sanitizer that lasted a trip. In years before Covid-19, a taxi carried about 15 passengers, but this year each one can only transport about 10 people. [Sanitiser can be purchased for about R80 a litre. — Editor]
Drivers at Joe Gqabi’s taxi stand told GroundUp they went to great lengths to take precautions and follow health guidelines, but that they could do more with government support.
At Joe Gqabi’s taxi stand on Tuesday, Sipho Khumalo’s taxi was fifth in line to load passengers to the Eastern Cape. He said he had been waiting his turn since Sunday. He said demand is generally high and taxis make money during the Christmas holidays, but this year people don’t travel because they don’t have money.
“Covid-19 has brought many difficulties. We are struggling to do business because many people have lost their source of income. Circumstances have forced them to spend Christmas here far from their families. It’s sad; They can’t even afford to send candy. “
Molelekwa said the loss of income, which exposes homeowners to foreclosure, is the main challenge reported by its members.
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