“Should We Call Him a Pilot?”: Taxi Driver’s Wild Rules Go Viral in Mzansi
- A unique list of rules placed at the back of what looks like a taxi seat surfaced, leaving passengers amused and puzzled
- The page with the unusual rules was captured by a passenger riding in the local taxi and shared on Facebook
- Social media users found the rules hilarious and shocking, while some noted contradictions within the list
- Briefly News spoke with Nduna, a Cape Town taxi driver, about the pressures of his job and the surprising reasons behind taxi rules
Source: Facebook
A South African taxi driver's unconventional set of rules recently took the internet by storm.
The unusual list was captured in a photo and shared on Facebook by Nguyễn Duy Cường, leaving social media users in stitches.
The first rule displayed declared, "Don't speak English," an ironic statement, considering the entire list is written in English. Other directives include reserving the front seat exclusively for VIP and a rather blunt instruction, not to sit in front if you won't help. Children over three years old are required to pay full fare, and passengers are advised against bringing R100 or R200 notes in the morning.
The driver also has strong opinions on in-taxi consumption, openly stating, "No eating KFC or a pie in the taxi." Adding to the abnormality are two funny rules: one not to call him a taxi driver and a simple yet shocking command to "bathe."
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
Source: Facebook
Taxi driver speaks on taxi rules
We at Briefly News spoke with local taxi driver Nduna to understand what makes some taxi drivers feel the need to create strict sets of rules for passengers.
The team asked the man what his view is on the rule not to call the driver a “taxi driver,” and he said:
“I think the driver is very humorous and sees some of the rules as jokes more than anything. We, however, are skilled professionals who carry many people safely every day. The name “taxi driver” feels like people are looking down on you. We want to be respected for our hard work.”
We asked the man why a driver would put the “Don’t speak English” rule, while the list is in fact in English. The taxi driver shared:
“That rule is probably a joke or a protest. The driver wants to speak in the local language, maybe Zulu or Xhosa, because he is more comfortable, and he is trying to tell passengers to speak their language first.”
When asked why there is a rule against eating food like KFC or pies inside the taxi, Nduna responded:
“Food crumbs attract rats, and grease makes the seats dirty. We have to clean the taxis ourselves with our own money. The KFC smell can make other passengers, especially kids, hungry and uncomfortable; it’s unfair to subject them to that. There’s a restaurant available for that.”
Mzansi debates the rules
The post went viral, with social media users expressing their astonishment and finding endless humour in the rules. Many playfully suggested that if the man disliked being called a taxi driver, the pilot title would possibly be more suitable, given his extensive list of regulations.
Some debated the most important points, with some agreeing that eating fast food like KFC in a taxi was disrespectful, pointing out that such establishments provided their seating. Others voiced a preference for e-hailing services, highlighting the freedom to listen to their music and avoid such prescriptive rules.
User Linomtha Mofokeng asked:
Read also
R20,000 wedding ring has gent rethinking marriage, South Africans weigh in: "Is diabolical"
"Don't call me a taxi driver, should we call him a pilot?"
User @Sanele Khoza shared:
"Next to don't call me driver, he should put his name. Number 5, though, is profound. There are chairs and tables at KFC, but you chose to enjoy your Streetwise 2 in a taxi."
User @Omphile Sibusiso Ck added:
"Let me use my Bolt for peace's sake, because wow, the driver wants me to call him a doctor."
User @Mosela Mofokeng suggested:
"Write your name on the back of your seat, or your chest."
User @Lungelo Magwenyane said:
"Allow us to use Bolt, then."
User @Bhekisizwe Matsididi commented:
"Some of his rules are applicable and reasonable to start with, don't sit in front if you're not going to help with money collection and giving of change to the commuters. Lastly, a re hlapeng Bana Beso (let us bath guys)! I'm just emphasising his points, that's all."
See the Facebook post here:
Source: Getty Images
3 Briefly News articles about taxi drivers
- A group of taxi drivers did not hold back when a content creator asked them for signs of cheating partners, with some calling Xhosa women heartbreakers.
- A young lady proudly showed off her gifts from her taxi driver boyfriend, sharing that she didn't regret giving him a chance, but Mzansi said that it would end in tears.
- A kind taxi driver invited a female motorist to his township, Dunoon, near Cape Town, promising he'd ensure she was safe.
Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.
Source: Briefly News
