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Sexual violence in South Africa: women share their stories about the dangers of commuting on minibus taxis

Sexual violence in South Africa: women share their stories about the dangers of commuting on minibus taxis

MILLIONS of people use minibus taxis to get around South Africa every day. These “pillars of public transport” (which are privately owned and run rather than operated by the state) account for 66.5% of all public transport on the country’s roads. The vast majority of minibus taxi commuters come from lower-income and historically marginalised communities of colour that still bear the brunt of apartheid-era spatial planning. They often don’t live close to their offices or schools and typically experience longer commuting times. Unfortunately, taxis are not necessarily safe for women. They are like so many other public spaces in a…
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Across Africa, commuters hop on two wheels

Across Africa, commuters hop on two wheels

SETH ONYANGO, BIRD NEWSROOM FROM four wheels to two wheels... More Africans are taking motorcycles to work than ever before, as the two-wheeled mobility option proliferates on the continent ― and promises an electric option. Hopping onto a motorbike to go to work could soon be your regular mode of commute, as Africa ― faced with rapid urbanisation and population growth - diversifies its mobility options. Whether you call it a moto-taxi or a boda-boda (equally notorious for their deafening noise and noxious exhaust emissions) the two-wheeled options is also likely to become a lot more environmentally friendly in the…
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