Draft:Aaron Mzwakhe Madi

Birthplace and early Life

Aaron Mzwakhe Madi , born in Utrecht on June 23, 1923, and moved to the old Transvaal with his parents Dick Madi and maDube Madi and older brother Robert Ntando Madi (never married) and sister Judaita Nombango Mofokeng (born Madi), Thomas Vuthela Madi, William Madi. They arrived at Kliprivier (whats now called Midvaal) where Dick Madi found employment for a white farmer called XXXXXXXX and worked and lived there until the death of Dick Madi. WHile growing up in the bustling area, he found opportunities to learn to drive early and was soon the driver for various businesses. Driving allowed him to see new places and the city of lights (Mabongeng) viz. Johannesburg.

Met Wife and Family

He met and his first wife married a young lady who hailed from the Hlubi tribe south of Lesotho. Her name was Jeanette Radebe XXXX. They were blessed with 9 children over the years. He from various other learning experiences pursued financial independence through the taxi industry, one of the few sectors available to Black entrepreneurs under apartheid. After arriving in Sophiatown, he began investing in the taxi business, aiming to empower others.

Forced Relocations From Sophiatown to Soweto

In 1968, amid forced relocations to Soweto, he and Jeanette settled in Jabulani, on Fihla Drive. Where he continued his pursuits, albeit challenging , in the taxi industry. She became a casual worker at he local creche and hin Jabulani and as the children grew older found employment as a cleaner in busy hotel owned by a Jewish landowner in the high rises of Hillbrow.

The Founding of Ikhwezi Taxi Association

From this settled home, Aaron Madi helped establish the route from Jabulani to Ikhwezi and from there to Johannesburg via Dube and Orlando East. This helped establish the route and attract many other operators. Madi being senior and he leader, wanted o formalise the route and thus came about the founding of the Ikhwezi Taxi Association in 1972 to help support the Black taxi operators of the route who were facing continuous hardships ad challenges like police harassment and the restrictive apartheid policies. This helped shape Madi's understanding of the administrative side of operations and exposed him more to understanding the regulations that the apartheid enforcers were targeting and their true concerns that they would nit be able to profit from these private, independent, big car saloon owner driver taxi operators.

The Founding of WATA ==

Four years later, he co-founded the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) to standardize routes and advocate for operators’ rights, although apartheid officials tried to suppress his influence. His persistence helped operators gain licenses and legal protections.

In 2009, Madi’s impact was officially celebrated by WATA and JTA for laying the foundation of today’s African taxi industry. His sons continued his legacy in business, reflecting his lasting influence on the community and the industry.

A Community Advocate and Protector

Beyond his industry role, Madi was a strong supporter of the Soweto community, actively backing Moroka Swallows FC and using Ikhwezi taxis to transport fans, fostering community pride. During the 1976 Soweto Uprising, he mobilized taxis to help families grieve safely amid violent police crackdowns, demonstrating solidarity and unity.

Throughout his life, Madi remained committed to Soweto’s welfare, aiding in community needs and crises. He is remembered as a community hero, and his legacy lives on through those he mentored, his family, and the taxi industry he helped build.

Building the Taxi Industry Under Adversity

In the 1960s, Madi navigated Johannesburg’s taxi sector, facing apartheid-era restrictions and infrastructure challenges. Township roads were poor, police harassment was frequent, and maintenance was difficult due to limited services. Despite operating without licenses, Madi persevered, advocating for self-reliance among operators.

Fuel shortages and costly services further strained the industry, leading Madi to establish the Ikhwezi Taxi Association in 1968. This group provided vital support, setting the stage for WATA’s formation in 1972, which formalized the industry and fostered resilience. Madi’s dedication to unity and self-reliance empowered future generations, building a vital industry that thrives today.

Last Days of a Visionary Leader

At the time of his death, he was surrounded by family and was survived by his second wife, and his living children viz. his eldest son Alpheus Zulaphi Madi, Philemon Mandlenkosi Madi, Lillian "Teng Teng" Modisane, Lizabeth Ndunduza Madi, Sarah Thoko Madi, Thandi Dorothy Madi, Lindiwe Madi, Collen Themba Madi and Buhle Madi.