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They are responsible for thousands of lives, but almost always remain anonymous. Recently, Metrobus honoured their most valued and professional drivers.
The mayoral committee member for transport, Rehana Moosajee
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
MLUNGISI Welcome Nkosi is Metrobus' driver of the year for 2008.
He received his award at a rousting award ceremony held at the Civic Theatre on Monday, 27 October when the City's transport company acknowledged their most valued employees.
Dressed in his formal driver's uniform, a pleased Nkosi received his awards. He had a few words about dealing with the public, saying: "I try to put myself in the position of the passenger so that we do not get into arguments."
According to Metrobus managing director Herman van Laan, the annual awards give recognition to their best bus operators. "We are all here to identify the best operators who have upheld the values of our company which are honesty, respect, accountability, co-operation and ubuntu."
He urged employees to "keep up the good work".
The awards are also timed to coincide with Public Transport Month in October.
The event, attended by the mayoral committee member for transport Rehana Moosajee as well as Van Laan and other senior Metrobus officials, began in high spirits with the Metrobus choir singing the national anthem.
Moosajee praised the operators, saying they played a vital role in the economy of the City, ensuring that people got to work on time, at the same time making certain the rules of the road were obeyed.
The bus operators were nominated by commuters using the service. Members of the public submitted nominations at the Ghandi Square depot and at Westgate Mall.
From these submissions, 10 finalists were selected, with all those going into the final round receiving certificates and a R500 shopping voucher each.
For his first place, Nkosi received a cash prize of R2 500. Two runners up were also announced: in second place was Mzama Thomas Maluleke, who won R2 000, and in third place Modegi Mapisa, who received R1 500.
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