By: Themba Nyovane 14 September 2022

In addition to being the preferred mode of transport for most commuters, the South African minibus taxi industry plays a significant role in the economy of the country. To help it grow into a more viable industry for future generations, is the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) graduate, Muthige Mukhodeni Mbobo.

During the recent University’s Spring Graduations, Mbobo was conferred a Master of Management in Management Accounting with a dissertation titled: “The Application of Management Accounting Principles in the Emfuleni Local Municipality Minibus Taxi Industry”. The study was conducted under the supervision of Dr John Beneke and Ms Natasha Robbetze.

Through his research, Mbobo sought to show the minibus taxi owners the benefits of using modern accounting principles to run their businesses. Despite the challenges he experienced with data collection due to the sophisticated nature of the business, he was able to complete his study. Today, the Limpopo-born says he is proud that one of his research recommendations is to be implemented in the industry for pricing decisions.

Driven by the passion to provide tangible solutions for the industry, Mbobo’s contributions don’t end there – he recently presented four conference papers at the Southern African Transport Conference that was held in Pretoria. Also on the cards, he has been invited to the 15th International Conference on Advanced Systems in Public Transport (CASPT2022) which will be held in Israel at the beginning of November this year. The conference will be in conjunction with the 8^th International Workshop and Symposium on Research and Applications on the Use of Passive Data from Public Transport (TRANSIT DATA) where he will be presenting a paper titled: “Are advancing public transport systems inclusive to all persons living with a disability in Africa” that has been accepted for podium presentation.”

Describing his academic journey, Mbobo said starting out at the university was not easy because as a village boy, the transition to the city came with its own challenges but in the end, he was able to rise above all of them. “It is through the support of my family and other pillars (friends in the taxi industry, colleagues, and lecturers) who went an extra-mile from the first obtained qualification to where I stand now. I will forever be grateful for them,” he said.

Although the journey may not have been an easy one, Mbobo seem to have made a name for himself, and brought unity among associations within the industry. This was evident as his graduations were also graced by the chairpersons of South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Sedibeng Region and the Top Six Sedibeng Region.

A Specialist Researcher in the Mini-Bus Taxi Industry, Mbobo says to cement his indelible mark in the industry and create a better future for himself, he plans to study further towards attaining a PhD soon.