Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
32
Project Name/Description:
The South African taxi industry can have a reputation for being frustrating, rough and male-dominated. However, one woman has helped bring a professional polish to the important work that the industry does, and is bridging an important gap between it, the government and corporate stakeholders. Since 2023, Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala has been heading the communications portfolio and acting as the spokeswoman for the largest taxi representative body – the SA National Taxi Council. The position did not exist before Rebecca took its reins and despite being many years younger than her new colleagues, she has carved out an impressive niche for herself. “The value that I have brought is to boost the taxi industry’s voice in the media. Before this they would normally have a more reactive approach, but my role has been more proactive, and I am continuously lobbying the government for greater security and rights for taxi owners and operators,” she says. “I am also always identifying new ventures that could expand our reach to more women and people with disabilities.” One of the new improvements being explored, and in which Rebecca has been integrally involved in, is automated fare collection services. “I have gotten into conversations with the private sector, and now it’s being piloted. There is a lot of work that I have done behind the scenes to make this a reality.”
