Asiphe Mkhefa from Nyanga, Western Cape has started an e-hailing taxi service for women only. The service is operated by women which consequently creates jobs. Mkhefa said she started the Women Go service to keep females safe from gender-based violence.
The Grade 12 learner from Vista High School says all her drivers are women. “I just wanted to create a platform that ensures safety for women. I want them to travel in comfort and not be worried that they might not make it home in one piece,” said Mkhefa.
Although she has never experienced violence herself, Mkhefa is aware of what is happening around her. “The stories I read about women who were kidnapped while being driven home or a driver making uncomfortable remarks towards women passengers drove me to start this company,” she said.
Mkhefa used her contacts to spread the word about her business. “We started operating at the end of August and this was just a silly idea, but since I had the necessary resources and people supporting me, I managed to pull it off,” she noted. She said the support she has received from the public has been overwhelming.
Female drivers who are interested in providing a taxi service need to have their own cars which will be vetted. To request a ride, the client sends their location and intended destination via WhatsApp on 068 276 6645. The rate is R7 per kilometre and is only available in Cape Town for now.
“We are busy developing an app which will be available soon. We also have speed points in all our cars so riders do not have to carry cash on them,” explained Mkhefa. Unfortunately, the drivers are still at risk of being lured by crooks, but the 18-year-old said they do have safety measures in place for the drivers.
