Absa’s Eyesight Project has become one of the most purposeful safety interventions within the taxi industry, offering concrete benefits for both drivers and commuters. What began as a modest initiative is now a broad programme that has reached operators across several provinces, driven by a partnership between Absa Taxi Finance and CFAO Mobility Group.
Fulufhelo Mandane, Executive: Strategic Partnerships at Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance, explains that the project grew from extensive discussions with taxi associations about what type of support would truly matter. “The associations suggested various ideas, and Absa and CFAO looked closely at road safety and the high number of taxi related incidents, given that taxi transport accounts for nearly 70 percent of public transport.
“This led to discussions with an eye specialist and a decision to determine whether poor driver vision contributed to accidents. Despite taxi drivers holding valid licences, the team believed it was necessary to test them more comprehensively than the standard licensing eye check,” Fulufhelo says.
The early results in Gauteng were striking. “The project started modestly with two taxi associations in Gauteng. The findings were alarming. Just below 60 percent of the drivers tested had poor eyesight. Spectacles were issued to everyone who required them, with follow ups done later,” he says.
Encouraged by the immediate impact, Absa expanded the programme throughout 2024 and early 2025. More than 1 700 drivers across Gauteng, Bloemfontein and the Western Cape were tested, with results revealing consistently high levels of undiagnosed eyesight problems. On average, about 60 percent of drivers required spectacles.
The project reached Limpopo this year as part of the Arrive Alive campaign. The province stood out because many drivers are older, with a large number aged between 40 and just over 60. “Of 419 drivers tested, the eyesight of 71 percent of them was not up to standard. A total of 295 pairs of spectacles were prescribed,” Fulufhelo reports.
The screening process also uncovered serious health concerns. Many drivers recorded dangerously high blood pressure, prompting immediate referrals to clinics. Environmental conditions influenced results too, including dust in Bloemfontein, humidity in the Western Cape and harsh sunlight in Limpopo.
Follow up remains central to the programme. “Absa will meet with the doctor after the December cycle to review how drivers were adapting and whether any issues have emerged with frame quality or prescription strength and other related issues,” he says.
Absa and CFAO plan to expand into the Eastern Cape next, with KwaZulu Natal and the North West to follow once logistical challenges are resolved. The intention remains clear: safer roads through healthier, better equipped drivers.
Staff Writer
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