Tragic passing of Mr Shellboy Apostle Radebe, Chairperson of Bothata Investment Company

IT is indeed a sad ending to an illustrious life of Mr SHELLBOY APOSTLE RADEBE. Mr Radebe, a businessman and former taxi owner, was gunned down on Sunday the 11th March 2012 at his farm in Ennerdale.

A former teacher, Mr Radebe, exchanged the classroom for taxis in the early 1980s and from then never looked back. He immediately established himself as one of the best administrators and leaders of Soweto Taxi Services (STS). He served in the executive of STS in different capacities until he joined the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system. A visionary in his own right, he was hailed as one of the pioneers of BRT in Johannesburg.

In the early eighties there was bitter rivalry between STS and Soweto Taxi Association (STA) over routes, many lives were lost in the process. It took the brave courage of Mr Radebe and a few others from STA to call for a ceasefire and a merger. The two associations were collapsed into one of the major associations in Soweto.

He expanded his business into livestock farming and there as well he displayed his Midas touch by buying a big farm and started to breed goats, sheep, cattle and chickens.

Whilst in BRT he displayed his exceptional leadership qualities, especially when chosen as one of the negotiation team members that were negotiating with the City of Johannesburg on behalf of the taxi industry.  After the successful negotiation of the implementation of BRT, Mr Radebe went on to be elected as the inaugural chairman of the newly formed taxi investment company, Bothata Investment Company.  "All the shareholders of Piotrans were excited about the work Mr. Radebe was going to do to grow the investments of Piotrans, we have indeed lost a pioneer, who's expertise will be sorely missed by all in Piotrans," said Mr. MK Mohlala, the Chairman of Piotrans Board.  

His murder was reported to the police who promised to investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to book. It is indeed our solemn wish that the police investigation be successful to bring an end to this carnage of killing innocent people in our country.

Meneer, as he was affectionately known, left an indelible mark both in the taxi industry as well as business world at large.

He will be laid to rest this coming Saturday. His memorial service will be held on Thursday 15th March 2012 at Protea South Multipurpose Centre.  

He shall be missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all those who were blessed to share precious moments with him.

LALA KAHLE MAKHULUKHULU,BHUNGANE NDLUBU EZAMILILA EBUBINI.  

Jointly issued by:
Piotrans Board and City of Johannesburg's MMC for Transport