Rehoboth inaugurates seven-seater rank

Rehoboth councillor Mara Beukes last Saturday inaugurated a seven-seater rank at the town.

The rank, located at Rehoboth Shopping Mall, offers legalised drivers and passengers a safe space for loading and offloading.

Beukes said the rank will promote safety, order and economic contribution.

“In an industry that faced challenges, misunderstandings and lack of recognition, this is a milestone achieved. The inauguration of the rank marks a milestone not only in the transport infrastructure but also in community building, worker employment and service delivery,” Beukes said.

James Lewis, co-ordinator of the Namibian Seven Seaters Transport Workers Union, says the town now has an organised rank.

“The rank is all for transport business related for long distance seven-seaters and minibuses. The land owners of the mall and we, as the Namibian Seven Seaters Transport Workers Union, applied for the rank to serve the community by a providing an organised group with a proper loading zone. The area is a neat loading master in a safe and secure environment,” Lewis says.

Seven-seaters are now officially permitted to operate as a long-distance transportation service in Namibia.

The government recently announced this change, allowing seven-seaters to obtain long-distance permits.

This decision follows a period where seven-seaters were limited to shorter distances, creating issues for drivers and passengers.

Driver Martin Beukes says loading zones are important because they provide designated areas for loading and unloading passengers, ensuring accessibility and convenience.

He says there had been chaos previously due to an absent rank.

“We are thankful for the rank because it allows us to work in peace and order. Before, cars just came and loaded passengers at the same time. There was no order. Seeing this was not a pleasant scenery. Honestly, as a driver before the rank I was not motivated to do my job as arguments and fights would often occurr. Now with the rank, we have peace.”

Client Elton Van Wyk says with the new rank, drivers can offer better services to clients.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.