MY RIDE, MY RULES
the taxi industry.
She has set her sights on becoming a teacher.
“I don’t like my mother’s career because it’s sometimes dangerous,” the 23-year-old says with a frown.
Mom is picking her up at a filling station, but Thabi is expected to pay the full fare, like all of Palmer’s passengers.
Palmer says the sexist attitudes of others in the taxi industry are among the biggest challenges.
At taxi association meetings, her comments and suggestions are sometimes disregarded.
She has walked out of meetings to show her anger at their attitudes.
“I have a big mouth, I stand by what is right,” Palmer says.
There are a handful of other woman taxi operators across the country and they face similar issues.
Earlier this month, the South African National Taxi Council established provincial desks to deal with some of these issues. A national initiative is in the pipeline.
Memory Modigoe, national deputy chairwoman and chairwoman of the Gauteng Women’s Desk, says these steps are long overdue.
“Most of the women in this industry are widows,” says Modigoe, who owns a taxi.
“They are not informed about running the business and they are vulnerable.
“We want to create a space where women can be taught how to run their business, and where they receive the necessary support.”
Modigoe says her passion is to empower woman operators and create a platform where their issues are taken seriously.
“I came into this business after my husband, a taxi owner, was shot and died. I was afraid, but I made a decision I would run this business.
“We want women who are in the position I was in to see we are here for them.”
With 17 years of experience, Modigoe feels she can help other women.
Back in Palmer’s taxi, the atmosphere is homely. Regulars chat like friends. The vibe is a testament to Palmer’s warm, bubbly nature.
Palmer doesn’t want to be driving her taxi until she reaches retirement age. For now, though, she will keep taking her passengers where they need to go – it makes her happy.
Her office is on the road, so she packs a lunch box, normally with leftovers from last night’s supper, or she will have a breakfast of tea and magwinya (vetkoek) which she buys once the morning rush has died down.