E-Hailing Drivers Protest in Pretoria
By Mpho Moloi
Pretoria, South Africa – E-hailing drivers from platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and inDrive convened at West Park in Pretoria on Thursday to protest against the impoundment of their vehicles and the challenges in obtaining operating permits. The demonstration, supported by organisations including the political party Build One South Africa (BOSA), led to traffic disruptions on surrounding roads, with police monitoring the situation.
Key Issues Highlighted by Drivers
The primary grievances of the protesting drivers include:
• Vehicle Impoundments: Drivers operating without valid permits, as required by Tshwane metro by-laws, face having their vehicles impounded and are subjected to substantial fees for their release. This enforcement has led to significant financial strain on many drivers.
• Permit Acquisition Challenges: Many drivers have reported prolonged delays in obtaining the necessary operating permits from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport. Despite applications being submitted, the backlog has resulted in drivers operating without permits, making them susceptible to vehicle impoundments.
Driver Wandisile Rala expressed the collective frustration, stating, “The Department of Transport refuses to issue the permits they talk about, yet they keep impounding our cars. We are beyond frustrated.”
City of Tshwane’s Response
In a statement released earlier this week, the City of Tshwane indicated progress in finalising a by-law aimed at streamlining operations for e-hailing drivers. This initiative includes regulating e-hailing services alongside metered taxis and developing transport assessment guidelines to foster a safer and more efficient working environment. However, drivers remain sceptical, citing previous unmet promises.
Ongoing Permit Backlog
The Gauteng Provincial Government has been addressing a backlog of approximately 6,100 permit applications for e-hailing operators. To date, around 2,500 applications have been resolved, leaving many operators in limbo. MMC for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, acknowledged the delays and urged affected operators to engage with the department to explore alternative solutions. 
Implications for E-Hailing Services
The ongoing challenges faced by e-hailing drivers have broader implications for the industry:
• Service Disruptions: Protests and vehicle impoundments can lead to reduced availability of e-hailing services, affecting commuters who rely on these platforms for transportation.
• Economic Impact: Drivers, many of whom depend on e-hailing as their primary source of income, face financial instability due to impoundment fees and lost earnings during protests or while awaiting permit approvals.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: The lack of clear and timely regulatory frameworks exacerbates tensions between drivers and authorities, highlighting the need for expedited policy implementation.
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