The Mask-up campaign launched in Tshwane is aimed at reducing the risk of the spread of Covid-19. Upon realizing that passengers and taxi drivers were not adhering to the law of wearing their masks, taxi associations have taken the matter of the safety of drivers and passengers into their own hands.
“But it’s not only about catching them out; we also give them masks.Maybe they don’t have a mask or maybe they forgot them. Either way, we give them masks to protect themselves and others,” said Piet Mahlangu of the Tshwane Taxi Alliance. He added that the campaign would also be geared at safer driving habits.
In a joint effort between the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the capital, they said they were not waiting for intervention from the Transport ministry. Although taxis transport the majority of commuters, the Mask-up effort has also reached out to Putco buses too.
After a first day in the city centre, on its second day, the focus was on Zambezi Drive and Moloto Road where taxi drivers and passengers were checked for masks and issued spot fines for not wearing one.
But not all passengers were impressed. Gloria Seleke said: “I don’t see why the police and taxi associations have to baby us. Adults should take responsibility for their own lives. What has gone wrong with our people?”
Transport MEC, Jacob Mamabolo applauded the leadership of the taxi associations working together to ensure the protection of lives.
“The fact that they are here out of their own initiative, enforcing the wearing of the masks, is highly appreciated. Taxi and bus commuters are responding well and it is good for us to make a contribution to combat the spread,” said Mamabolo.
