Bull behind the wheel: how Phoenix's first female taxi driver broke barriers

FOR 25 years, Kumarie 'Bull' Manikum defied expectations as the first and only female taxi driver with the Phoenix Taxi Association (PTA).

Now retired, she reflects on her journey from a 'daddy's girl' who dreamed of driving 'something big' to earning respect in a male-dominated industry while raising a family.

Her story is one of perseverance, strength and creating her own path against the odd

Popularly known as “Bull”, Manikum, 51, started her journey as a taxi driver alongside her father, Jace Manikum.

He was one of the founding members of the PTA and owner of the Touched By An Angel taxi company. A self-confessed daddy’s girl, Manikum became well acquainted with the inner workings of a motor vehicle.

She assisted her father from washing a taxi to fixing it. While most young girls dreamed of owning dolls and make-up, Manikum dreamt of driving a bus. 

She laughed: “I always wanted to drive something big. I can’t explain it, but I just wanted to drive something big and powerful. I eventually drove a truck. It was for a little while, but my dream came true.”   

Manikum tried formal employment by working in an embroidery and clothing factory. 

“It just was not for me. I could not be inside a building the entire day. I wanted to be working outside and to be free. I was also a little bit naughty – I tried doing things that could have gotten me into trouble.”

Her father owned two taxis that operated in Phoenix.

At the age of 19, she began working as a conductor in her father’s taxi. 

She soon graduated to driving a taxi after obtaining her driver’s licence and PDP.

At 21, Manikum had a daughter and faced the challenges of single parenthood. 

“I had to do what I had to do. I had a baby on the way who I had to look after. When my daughter was born I did what I had to do to make a life for us.

“I believe that’s what made me stronger and pushed away all the negativity I experienced as a female in a man’s world,” she said.

Having worked for various taxi bosses, Manikum said she found driving a taxi exciting. 

“I loved that I was responsible for dropping people off wherever they wanted to go. If you wanted to go from point A to point B, it was my responsibility to make sure you reached safely.”  Often seen as a dangerous industry, Manikum faced many challenges until she gained the respect of her peers and passengers.

“It was very tough at first. As a female in the taxi rank, it wasn’t easy at all.  I would get sworn at and verbally abused all the time.  I had to grow a tough skin and show that I was not afraid of them. I even got suspended a few times, because I stood up for myself. But, they had no choice (but) to accept me. 

“After I made my mark, nobody took advantage of me. I carried myself. I was a woman in a man’s world. But I am not that type of person at home. That rugged somebody is who I had to become to work in the industry,” she said.

“I meet people today who tell me that they were afraid of me because I had a rough voice and rough ways. I was always frowning. It was not in my nature to be that way,” Manikum added. 

Five years ago, Manikum retired from driving taxis. 

“I had to leave because my mother was diagnosed with cancer and she was unable to take care of herself.  There was no one else to take care of her but me. But I don’t regret a moment of it. I got to spend time with her. Those were some of the most precious moments of my life.

“Now that my mother has passed on, I have the opportunity to go back to driving a taxi.  But I won’t because things have changed a lot over the years,” she added.

Manikum said the last taxi she drove – named Kayla – was owned by Suren Rampadarath of SVK Tours.

He told POST Plus that at the time it was a challenge to employ women in the industry.

“Driving a taxi and being a female was something very rare, but Bull did her very best to fulfil this job.  She was a hard worker and ensured the taxi was neat and clean at all times.

“The passengers enjoyed travelling with her because she would always make them laugh. She also kept the passengers entertained with her love for old school music.

“She got along with both young and old people. There are  a lot of passengers still asking about her even now,” he said.

Former secretary of the PTA, Vassie “Mr Rich” Govender, confirmed that Manikum was the first and only woman taxi driver.

“She was an excellent driver who took care of her passengers and was very accommodating. Passengers always trusted her and had faith in her. It was a pleasure working with her.”

Manikum now enjoys her time as a stay-at-home grandmother to her two granddaughters, aged 12 and 4. 

“I’ve also dedicated my life to taking care of my father who is 81,” she said. 

But Manikum still has that entrepreneurial spirit, and said was considering opening a small business some day. 

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