Taxis embrace spirituality
ALEXANDRA - The taxi industry which is often derided for the abrasive nature of its members when operating on public roads has another side of it which appeals to the almighty.
The taxi industry which is often derided for the abrasive nature of its members when operating on public roads has another side of it which appeals to the almighty.
It has a spiritual component to help the members retain their human values and commitment to the well-being of society. The Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand, Sandton, Local and Long Distance Taxi Association has a chaplain among its operational staff who attends to members’ spiritual needs daily.
Chaplain Victoria Mlangeni said the taxi industry was vilified by people who were inconsiderate of the thousands who would not be able to get to work and back home on time to be with their loved ones if it were not for the taxis. She said they may transgress in the course of their duty, but so did many motorists who also need censure. “The public should embrace the industry, help where it feasibly can to improve public safety as it is the bloodline of the transport industry and a major employer.” She said most of the public relied on taxis as the most convenient means of travel. “The ReaVaya Bus Transit System in Alexandra may affect taxi operations at inception, but the commuters will return to the taxis after a while because of their convenient service,” she said.
Mlangeni said most associations had chaplains who helped pacify tensions, stop conflicts between members and associations. Her work involves praying for ARMSTA and other associations daily in the morning, visiting sick members at hospitals and homes and conducting funerals for the deceased and their members. She said God was the guardian for all, regardless of status.
Mlangeni is a member of the AmaIsrael Apostolic Church.
Details: 011 440 4156.
