In a mission to give taxi owners an opportunity to experience student life, the Durban University of Technology introduced a Taxi Management Programme, where 16 of the enrolled taxi owners recently graduated.
The Taxi Management course is a collaboration between DUT’s Enterprise Development Unit and eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) as a means of giving back to the community. The programme was designed to empower taxi bosses in understanding labour rights and responsibility, bookkeeping and legal issues.
The ETA selected the now graduates from different taxi associations and fully funded their studies. The course covered End-user computing, Principles of Management, Accounting and Legal Framework.
Faizel Asmal, Ishaqah Abey, Pradeep Dhawcharn, Sithembiso Gcaba, Mahendra Jaichand, Bhangwandeen Juroop, Dumisani Magwaza, Isaac Mbhele, Lindokuhle Mthiyane, Seavion Nkala, Mduduzi Njongwe, Derek Pather, Hassan Shaibes, Vasugaran Sarabeah, Buzani Sabelo and Mzibeni Xaba all made their families proud.
Dr Strinivasan Pillay, DUT Public Management and Economics Lecturer and Taxi Management Programme Facilitator, encouraged the taxi owners to come back and further their studies based on what they have already achieved.
“We appreciate your sacrifices and all the hard-work. The program gets you credits from DUT. Come back and register for other courses and we hope you don’t say goodbye to DUT,” she said.
Pillay said the taxi industry transports 65 percent of commuters and creates thousands of jobs for many people, amongst others, drivers and queue marshals. He added that the industry contributes greatly to the economy of South Africa.
In ensuring that the program continues, the eThekwini Transport Authority Head, Thami Manyathi agreed to deepen the partnership between the two institutions. “We work hard to change the face of the public transport and DUT is our partner in skills development,” he said.
He (Manyathi) also revealed that DUT is a partner of choice for the introduction of the Intergraded Transport Strategy plans which is a massive programme for the eThekwini Transport Department. He applauded the graduates for their hard work and dedication.
“You’re the lights, others will look after you,” he told the graduates.
Lindokuhle Mthiyane, one of the graduates, passed his appreciation to ETA and DUT for the opportunity given to him which will advance his academic life and assist him in becoming a better businessman. “The course was conducted professionally, with qualified lecturers and lots of assignments. I am glad that we have earned the qualification,” he said.
– Thabo Maile
Pictured: The graduates of the Taxi Management Programme proudly show off their qualifications.
