The Inspiring journey of a female taxi driver

Kritofina Iyambo, known by her middle name Meme Namupa, which means "a girl child among boys," is a strong, dedicated, and fearless woman. She is a long-serving female taxi driver who has been behind the wheel for almost 40 years. Starting her journey in 1984 in Ondangwa, Iyambo moved to Walvis Bay in 1997 in search of better opportunities.

Being the only daughter among three sons, Iyambo was raised as a boy and took on tasks such as herding animals and fixing the kraal. Her upbringing shaped her resilience and determination, qualities which defined her career.

In 1997, Iyambo moved to Walvis Bay, driven by the need to support her unemployed parents and two daughters in secondary school. As a single mother, she took on the hustle of driving a taxi to make ends meet. “At the time, I had two daughters to take care of, and I was a single mother. I couldn't rely on anyone since my daughters lost their dad,” Iyambo explained.

Experience in the Industry

Driving a taxi was not an easy path for Iyambo. She faced societal shame and derogatory comments, being labelled a poor woman and called various negative names. However, she remained resilient. “That did not take away my strength and did not bring me down. I would always tell myself that these people who are shaming me will not feed my children at all,” she added.

Safety was another concern. Iyambo recounted multiple incidents where she was robbed but continued to do her job, praying to God for protection. Despite these challenges, she found support among a few people in her community who admired her determination. “That made me more proud of myself and kept me going because someone out there recognized my strengths and was proud of me.”

Handling Work and Family

Even with limited income, Iyambo ensured her children had proper school uniforms and their school fees were paid. She worked overtime during the festive season to afford school supplies. “I always had a plan, especially in December when people are enjoying the festive season with their families. I would stay in Walvis Bay to work overtime for my children's stationery and school uniforms if needed,” Iyambo stated.

Though she longed to spend time with her family, Iyambo prioritized work to provide for her children. “It was during December when the coast gets busy, so I used that as an opportunity to make more money.”

The Struggle

Iyambo added that she faced physical and verbal attacks but remained positive. Iyambo recalls that she competed with other taxi drivers for customers. Some passengers doubted her abilities and wouldn’t want to be driven by a woman, “I won’t be driven by a meme” most would say. She shared that she was attacked a few times and often most young boys wouldn’t pay the taxi fare; they would get dropped off and run off, yet she never gave up.

“I was attacked a couple of times, but that never made me give up. Some people would rob my taxi right at the taxi rank, which sometimes brought me down but never discouraged me to stop my hustle.”

Additionally, Iyambo shared that she worked with individuals from various backgrounds, most of whom were respectful, though a few mocked her for being a woman in a traditionally male job.

Achievements

In 2014, she managed to buy her own car with savings, supplemented by her eldest daughter. "It was a relief because I wouldn't have to pay in or cash up every day."

Iyambo’s four daughters were raised with care, even when they were not living with her. She ensured they received regular support. “I’ve always tried to prioritize my kids and sometimes spend quality time with them whenever I could. It’s not easy, but I’m proud to set an example for them of hard work and determination,” she said.

Daughters' Perspective

One of Iyambo's daughters shared her experience, revealing the bullying she endured because of her mother’s job. She expressed sadness and a loss of confidence during her school years. “I was always bullied and called names. I would come from school crying and say that I don’t want to go back to school because kids are laughing at me because my mother is a taxi driver.”

The daughter shared that it made her lose confidence and fear the world because of its judgmental nature. “My mother always told me that those people would never buy me food, a school uniform, or pay for my school fees. She also encouraged us not to be tempted by what other people have because we do not come from the same background,” she recounted.

Today, she is proud of her mother's sacrifices and acknowledges her hard work. “I now realize my mother did everything she could for our betterment. I'm proud to share her story with everyone. She is our Hero."