Wanatu Vehicles
By Lerato Mpembe
Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has impounded three vehicles belonging to Wanatu, an Afrikaans-focused e-hailing service, for operating without the necessary municipal permits. This enforcement action follows growing scrutiny over the company’s legal compliance, operating licences, and its Afrikaans-only hiring policy.
The impoundments occurred on Wednesday, during routine traffic operations in Centurion, where the company has been operating since launching in October 2024. TMPD spokesperson Isaac Mahamba stated that the impoundments were not specifically targeted at Wanatu but were part of broader law enforcement efforts. “We spotted these ones; we did not target Wanatu vehicles,” Mahamba said.
The impounded vehicles will be released upon payment of the required pound fees. However, they will not be allowed to operate until valid municipal permits are obtained.
Background: Wanatu’s Controversial Entry into the E-Hailing Market
Wanatu markets itself as an Afrikaans-centric e-hailing service, focusing on commuters who prefer Afrikaans-speaking drivers. The company’s hiring policy—which allegedly only employs Afrikaans-speaking drivers—has ignited widespread debate, with some critics arguing that it may violate South African labour laws.
The company, which operates primarily in Centurion and Pretoria, offers an alternative to established e-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive. However, its unique branding and language requirements have led to accusations of exclusionary hiring practices.
Legal experts have weighed in, suggesting that while businesses can have operational language preferences, outright exclusion of applicants based on language could be deemed discriminatory.
How the Wanatu Impoundment Controversy Began
The impoundment followed a social media debate after Build One SA (BOSA)’s Ayanda Allie raised questions about Wanatu’s operational legality. In a viral video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Allie questioned whether Wanatu had the necessary operating permits, given that other e-hailing services, such as Uber, Bolt, and inDrive, frequently face vehicle impoundments for non-compliance.
She further pointed out that municipal authorities had claimed that the e-hailing sector was oversaturated, which is why many drivers were struggling to obtain permits. “If that is the case, then why is Wanatu, which was launched in October, permitted to not only operate but to do so without permits?” Allie asked.
Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya later confirmed the impoundments on social media, stating: “We do not discriminate when enforcing bylaws in Tshwane.”
City of Tshwane’s Position on E-Hailing Compliance
TMPD officials have stated that their enforcement efforts apply equally across all e-hailing services and that they do not target specific companies. However, this has not stopped concerns from being raised about how quickly Wanatu was able to establish its operations, seemingly without facing the same regulatory hurdles as other e-hailing companies.
TMPD Spokesperson’s Statement
TMPD spokesperson Isaac Mahamba said, “These vehicles were found operating without the required operating licences. We enforce the law without bias. The enforcement against Wanatu is no different from how we deal with Uber, Bolt, or any other e-hailing operator that is non-compliant.”
Roads and Transport MMC’s Response
Roads and Transport MMC Tlangi Mogale also addressed the issue, revealing that officials only became aware of Wanatu’s operations last week. Following this, authorities immediately impounded a Wanatu vehicle for non-compliance.
Mogale further stated that Wanatu’s legal representative attempted to have the vehicle released, but was unsuccessful due to the lack of an operating licence.
“He was referred to the provincial Transport Operating Licensing Administrative Board in Tshwane and was told they should apply for a learner/scholar transport operating licence since they also transport schoolchildren in Centurion,” said Mogale.
Wanatu’s Response: Service Temporarily Suspended
Following the impoundments, Wanatu sent an SMS to all registered users, announcing a temporary suspension of its service. The company also signalled its intention to challenge the impoundments in court.
The SMS read:
“Wanatu service is temporarily suspended due to the illegal actions of the TMPD by illegally impounding our vehicles and intimidation of our drivers. We’re going to court!”
Wanatu CEO Judith van der Walt has yet to make an official statement but has promised to address the matter in the coming days.
Human Rights Commission to Investigate Wanatu’s Hiring Policy
In addition to regulatory issues, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is investigating Wanatu’s hiring policy after complaints that the company only hires Afrikaans-speaking drivers.
The commission is probing whether the hiring policy violates South African labour and equality laws, as South Africa’s Constitution protects citizens from discrimination based on language or ethnicity.
According to Mogale, “We have said that it is unacceptable for any company to recruit only Afrikaans-speaking drivers in a diverse country like South Africa.”
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