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When you think of a city like Johannesburg, or South Africa as a whole, it’s impossible to ignore the vital role played by the taxi industry. Every day, millions rely on it to get to work, school and home. While headlines often highlight taxi-related conflicts, many operators quietly drive something far more powerful: positive change.
One such man is Mr Petros Malema, the owner of Lemas Transport.
His journey began years ago, when he worked as a municipal driver in Johannesburg. Over time, he transitioned from employee to entrepreneur, investing in his own taxis, a business he has successfully run for 19 years.
Malema recalls how his breakthrough came in 2008, when he expanded his operations between Johannesburg and Polokwane. At the time, he transported workers who had built lives in Johannesburg but maintained homes in Limpopo. Being someone who was also born and bred in Limpopo, these trips became more than just journeys; they became stories of resilience, sacrifice and hope.
“I met women working in the kitchens (a word used to describe domestic workers) who would travel home at month-end with groceries and clothes for their families. I met men living in hostels, working hard to support loved ones back home,” he shares.
Through these experiences, Malema built lasting relationships with his passengers, many of whom became like family.
Today, he is not just a taxi owner but a respected figure in his community, particularly in Ivory Park and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Beyond transportation, Malema has used his business as a vehicle for social impact. He regularly assists children from disadvantaged backgrounds by helping them get to school and, in some cases, financially supporting their journey into higher education.
His contributions extend even further. A deeply spiritual man, Malema has helped fund and build several churches across Gauteng and Limpopo, using income generated from his taxi business to uplift communities holistically. He believes that churches help shape the community for the better.
“When I go back home to Limpopo, my phone doesn’t stop ringing,” he says with a smile. “People just want to connect, not because of business, but because of the relationships we’ve built over the years.”
One story that stands out for him is when a grieving family from Orange Farm reached out after losing a loved one. With limited resources, they turned to Malema not just as a transport provider but also as someone they trusted. He stepped in to assist with transport and basic support during their time of need.
For Malema, moments like these define his purpose.
“This business is not just about making money,” he explains. “It’s about changing lives, meeting people from different walks of life and making their journeys, and their lives, better.”
Today, Malema owns five taxis and continues to expand his impact. His slogan, “Send me anytime, anywhere,” reflects his unwavering commitment to service.
Operating in busy routes such as Eastgate, Kempton Park, Alexandra and surrounding areas, his footprint across the city is significant. Many commuters, knowingly or not, have likely experienced a ride with Lemas Transport.
Malema also places strong emphasis on professionalism, training his drivers to treat passengers with respect, dignity and care.
In a touching reflection of the relationships he has built, he recalls a moment when a group of loyal customers surprised him with a birthday gift, a suit, as a token of appreciation for the impact he has made in their lives.
Beyond the present, Malema sees his work as a legacy. He proudly shares that three of his sons, now adults, have joined him in the taxi industry, ensuring that the family business continues to grow across generations.
“It’s no longer just a business,” he says. “It’s something I’m leaving behind for my children.”
Speaking about Johannesburg, Malema says he has grown to love the city's warmth, not just as a place of work, but as a home filled with meaningful moments.
He fondly speaks about spending time with his wife at Mall of Tembisa, one of their favourite places to unwind. “My wife loves her Nando’s,” he laughs, adding that their visits to the mall have become a cherished family routine.
For Malema, these outings are about more than just leisure. His grandchildren, whom he lives with, often join them, enjoying simple pleasures like riding the small children’s train that moves through the mall.
“I enjoy watching them have fun,” he says. “Those are the moments that remind me why I do what I do.”
For Malema, being in the taxi industry is not just about putting bread on the table; it’s about driving positive change, building relationships, and creating a lasting legacy for both his family and the community he serves.
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