Taxi boss recognized internationally with a doctorate

Dr Ben Maredi has received international recognition at the World Greatness Awards in Nairobi, Kenya, where he was awarded the Canonical Degree of Doctor of Greatness. His recognition has been described as a historic milestone for South Africa’s taxi industry.

Maredi serves as chairman of the Mamelodi Amalgamated Taxi Association and president of the Federated Local and Long-Distance Taxi Association. He received the award on Friday, 23 October, for his efforts to promote peace, unity and accountable leadership in the transport sector.

The recognition comes from a part of the economy that has faced long-running challenges, including conflict between rival associations, concerns about passenger safety and pressure to improve relations between operators and the communities they serve. Maredi’s supporters say his work has focused on helping the industry move towards cooperation and better standards.

In response to the award, Maredi said he was humbled and grateful. He stressed that the achievement belonged not only to him but also to the people who had supported efforts to build peace and accountability in the taxi industry. He said he hoped the milestone would encourage others to believe that the sector could improve its public image.

Maredi became MATA chairman in 2021. He has been associated with efforts to improve safety for operators and commuters and to build relationships between previously rival associations. The associations also highlighted work involving community infrastructure and support for disadvantaged pupils, widows and families of deceased members.

The recognition also carries a personal dimension. Reports say Maredi lost his son in an attack during taxi violence in Mamelodi, an incident believed to have been intended for him. Despite that loss, he has remained involved in initiatives aimed at promoting peace and protecting lives in the sector.

Mpho Motsepe, chairman of the Tshwane National Taxi Alliance, congratulated Maredi and said the industry could be more than a transport service when leaders focus on accountability and public trust. The award does not mean the industry’s challenges have disappeared, but it recognises work intended to address them.

The achievement has prompted discussion about the role taxi associations can play in safer communities and more reliable public transport. What changes would make the biggest difference in building trust between taxi operators, commuters and the communities they serve?

Source: https://www.snl24.com/news/taximan-now-a-doctor-20261028/