Kings of the road

They are the fastest way of transport in town. Not your conventional method of getting around but, hey, you arrive at your destination nevertheless, maybe with a few odd bruises here and there and feeling somewhat dazed after the ride.

They are the so-called “black taxis”, which have now become the principal means of transport for the vast majority of black South Africans. It is unlikely that you will find yourself using one unless you are incredibly desperate – like I was.

I was in desperate need of a form of transport to Wynberg one day and I was beginning to think that I had to get there by foot, when from a distance I heard those notorious words, “Wyndy, Wyndy, Wynberg!” and the roars of what sounded like a formula one engine racing towards me. Now with your normal, conventional taxis you would step into the street and shout, “Taxi!” but in this country that would not be a wise idea because chances are you would be run down. Instead, you just wait for the taxi t...