Vuyisile Majola says the minibus taxi industry fuels her passion for mobility
In this exclusive ESI Africa interview, SMA Mobility Content & Stakeholder Engagement Manager Anazi Zote Piper interviews uBunye Capital CEO Vuysile Majola about the minibus taxi industry and mobility in South Africa.
Since speaking at Smarter Mobility Africa summit 2022, Vuyisile Majola has been making an impact in digitally transforming South Africa’s transport sector.
Question: How have you made your mark as a woman in the transport sector?
My work in the transport sector has a strong focus on informal mobility solutions. Given the South African informal and formal economy settings we have a very unique manifistation of mobility. While the formal transport sector is well funded and organised, the informal sector does not enjoy the same.
Highlighting the institutional voids that impede the efficiency and integration of the informal transport sector is what fuels my passion for creating meaning and economic inclusion for the sector. Taxi operators, taxi drivers, women in the taxi industry, youth entrepreneurs innovating solutions for the informal sector are just a few groups I impact through my work.
Question: What developments in the mobility sector are you looking forward to?
In the African context, I believe we are at a very exciting time. Mobility is at the core of Africa’s growth and prosperity, thus key technology developments that enable smart mobility are the catalyst. I look forward to technology and green energy solutions that are reflective of true African mobility environment.
Taxi operators, taxi drivers, women in the taxi industry, youth entrepreneurs innovating solutions for the informal sector are just a few groups I impact through my work.
Question: If you were declared the Minister of Transport today, what would be your first Decree?
I’ve thought about this many times, and the answer is always different. Our technology, socio-economic, geo-political and fiscal conditions are key variables one has to consider. In fact one cannot consider the movement of people and their things (mobility) without careful consideration of these variables.
My first decree would be one that enforces the development of a single public transport framework that is implemented across all spheres of government with a strong focus on devolution.
