“May’qeda ukujika”: An Appreciation of South African Taxi graphics.

A few weeks ago, I saw a picture of a taxi by the shore. It was a photograph taken by Kevin Radebe titled Beach Mageza. I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Not only that but the fascination I have with taxi graphics in general, has been lingering at the back of my mind.

Illustrations in taxis aren’t just “illustrations.” They are an art form and a language best recognised by commuters. Taxi graphics form a part of a taxis identity. They are part of a particular taxi owners brand, they are a symbol of a lifestyle, a special authentic aesthetic.

You can easily spot a certain taxi based on its branding. Not only that but taxis also have very interesting quotations inside. You randomly catch yourself reading the different stickers that are stuck inside. Some are funny, others are though provoking while others voice out the drivers requests in a very subtle manner.

“Hawerh ma oe, yazi uSiya oshayela iGod of Mercy uyang’chaza. Ngi mubonile izolo edlula esitawa, lishoni igqomu.”

I would like to take this moment to celebrate all the illustrators and designers behind the beautiful taxi art. Thank you for continuously working on telling authentic South African tales in the most unconventional manner.

“Cela ukusala may’qeda ukujika”.