New mall to benefit taxis

Moruleng - The minibus taxi industry stands to benefit from the opening of a mall in Moruleng, near Rustenburg, in North West, the local taxi association said on Monday.

"To us as the taxi industry, this couldn’t come at a better time," said David Phiri, chairperson of the Moruleng District Taxi Association (Modita).

"We are very happy to be part of this remarkable event. What makes us happier is that more of us are now going to make better profits. This means more shared business for us."

The Moruleng Mall, which has more than 80 shops and is situated at the foot of the Pilanesberg mountain, is expected to open on October 24.

Phiri said a new taxi route would be developed.

"It is a new route, our operation will change. We expect to transport a lot of people."

Taxis were expected to transport people from the 32 villages in Bakgatla Ba Kgafela directly to the mall.

Fifteen taxis had been branded with posters to rise awareness about the opening of the mall.

Kgosi Nyalala Pilane, of the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela, said the taxi association's co-operation would go a long way.

"This is the beginning of new things and your reward is coming," he said.