A YOUNG white tout sporting Justin Bieber hair is fast gaining fame in the East London taxi scene.
Jason Ohare dropped out of school earlier this year aged 17. Each day, he would mill around the city centre until a friend suggested he take on a job as a taxi conductor.
The conductor, or tout, is responsible for attracting commuters to his taxi and counting money for the driver – and Jason found his charm and unique style coming to the fore.
He hasn’t found that his race makes it difficult to blend into the predominantly black taxi industry, and soon discovered a new family in the drivers and other touts, or imigewu as they are known on the streets. He started in February and hasn’t looked back.
The teen works the East London, Vincent and Mdantsane routes and makes it his mission to win the hearts of commuters.
“I immediately felt at home because the taxi drivers were really friendly. I enjoy having fun with the drivers. We make jokes and play music – I love rap music,” he said.
The Saturday Dispatch spoke to Jason at a taxi stop in the East London city centre. While he would not elaborate on why he had dropped out in Grade 9, Jason said he planned to start home-schooling next year.
In the meantime, he will remain in the taxi industry. Jason said his day starts at 7am and ends at about 6pm.
“The commuters love me. They think I’m funny and although some view me as different they are cool with me. I just try my best to speak isiXhosa. I try to fit in.
“I find the Xhosa lifestyle very awesome because the Xhosa guys are not nasty like white guys are. They are welcoming. I even call the taxi drivers maqway’pile; it is a common name used in taxi ranks,” he said.
Conductors usually get a cut of the day’s takings. Jason said on a good day he can make up to R240; on a bad day R60. And while some love his unique conducting style, others are attracted to his Justin Bieber look.
“People tell me I look like Justin, I think because of my Bieber hairstyle. I get these compliments but I have a girlfriend I love so I don’t pay attention to such attention,” he said laughing.
Taxi driver Khanyiso Mabevu said the youngster was fun to work with.
“The commuters are really fond of him – it becomes a different experience for them.
“He is also not expensive like other conductors.” — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
Bieber lookalike tout a hit with Xhosas
Jason Ohare dropped out of school earlier this year aged 17. Each day, he would mill around the city centre until a friend suggested he take on a job as a taxi conductor.
The conductor, or tout, is responsible for attracting commuters to his taxi and counting money for the driver – and Jason found his charm and unique style coming to the fore.
He hasn’t found that his race makes it difficult to blend into the predominantly black taxi industry, and soon discovered a new family in the drivers and other touts, or imigewu as they are known on the streets. He started in February and hasn’t looked back.
The teen works the East London, Vincent and Mdantsane routes and makes it his mission to win the hearts of commuters.
“I immediately felt at home because the taxi drivers were really friendly. I enjoy having fun with the drivers. We make jokes and play music – I love rap music,” he said.
The Saturday Dispatch spoke to Jason at a taxi stop in the East London city centre. While he would not elaborate on why he had dropped out in Grade 9, Jason said he planned to start home-schooling next year.
In the meantime, he will remain in the taxi industry. Jason said his day starts at 7am and ends at about 6pm.
“The commuters love me. They think I’m funny and although some view me as different they are cool with me. I just try my best to speak isiXhosa. I try to fit in.
“I find the Xhosa lifestyle very awesome because the Xhosa guys are not nasty like white guys are. They are welcoming. I even call the taxi drivers maqway’pile; it is a common name used in taxi ranks,” he said.
Conductors usually get a cut of the day’s takings. Jason said on a good day he can make up to R240; on a bad day R60. And while some love his unique conducting style, others are attracted to his Justin Bieber look.
“People tell me I look like Justin, I think because of my Bieber hairstyle. I get these compliments but I have a girlfriend I love so I don’t pay attention to such attention,” he said laughing.
Taxi driver Khanyiso Mabevu said the youngster was fun to work with.
“The commuters are really fond of him – it becomes a different experience for them.
“He is also not expensive like other conductors.” — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
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