Grade 6 primary school learners’ views on minibus taxis and their drivers

Background: This study identifies potential assets of the minibus taxi industry space and alerts taxi drivers to the expectations of various role-players in education, through understanding the views of various role-players about minibus taxi drivers and their role in supporting education. Aim: Viewing the minibus taxi industry through alternative lenses may lead to development which may ultimately lead to an improvement in the attitudes of the taxi industry towards the education sector and perceived negative behaviour of taxi drivers. Setting: The study took place at three schools in Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: The study followed an interpretive, qualitative research approach for exploring and understanding various views. A case study design using Lefebvre’s, ‘Production of Space’ theory and asset-based theory, were used as a theoretical framework in conjunction with the Johari Window model. Convenient sampling was applied. Focus group interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, fieldnotes, and observation were used for data collection and construction. Results: The results indicated that views which are embedded in individuals have many facets; hence, it is important to be aware of them to be able to identify the assets of minibus taxi drivers. Conclusion: Minibus taxi drivers are key role players, valuable facilitators and role models for learners, although educational development is needed. Contribution: Very little work has been done on the educational value of spaces such as taxis and transport vehicles; this research adds considerable value to this research lacuna.