The strange signals of the South African taxi industry

10 March 2010 - 14:47
By inside 2010

Imagine you arrive in South Africa from South America or any European country and you have to use our minibus-taxi service. We have compiled a list of some of the strange signals you will have to learn.

So you have finally landed at O.R. Tambo International airport for the biggest sporting event in the World, yes the Soccer World Cup. As you step outside the airport, you're hit by the realization that you're far away from home, because unlike in New York or even France, there is no taxi or cab waiting to take you to your hotel, but rather a noisy mini-bus.

Welcome to Mzansi.

These taxis are the backbone of South Africa's transport system and your best bet at getting around cheaply. But if you are unfamiliar with the language and the hand signals you could find yourself wondering the rough streets of Hillbrow instead of lazing around the pool at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton.

So here is a quick guide to help you tackle the mean streets of Pretoria, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Mafikeng and Polokwane:

1. Index finger pointed up means that you are travelling to the inner city and no further.

2. Index finger means you are travelling to place within city limits.

3. Taxi signals differ depending on what region you're in here are some examples:

LOCAL – You are staying within the cities parameters.

TOWN – You are going directly to the city centre.

FOURWAYS – For when you going to Fourways.

DIEPSLOOT – For people heading to Diepsloot.

HALFWAY HOUSE – When you are heading to the Midrand city central.

MIDRAND LOCAL – When you are travelling in Midrand.

MABOPANE – When you are heading to the township of Mabopane.

ORANGE FARM – When you are heading to the township of Orange Farm.

SOSHANGUVE - When you are heading to the township of Soshanguve.

SOSHANGUVE 2 – Different extension in Soshanguve.


WARNINGS:

Always carry lose change especially in the mornings cause if you don't your likely to end up having a heated argument with the taxi driver.

Remember that cheap transport does not equal a luxurious trip to stadium and back to your hotel.

Try to leave your hotel early because the taxi driver works on his own schedule not yours.

Look after your belongings because as they say finders-keepers-losers-weepers.

And most importantly always ask where the taxi is going, South Africans are friendly and they will help you out.
Enjoy the ride!

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