By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
E-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt, and InDriver drivers are divided over today’s planned nationwide e-hailing protest, most heeded the call to shut down their apps, while others remain available in some parts of the country.
The protest was expected to see scores of customers stranded, as drivers go offline in protest of poor working conditions, safety and security concerns, and low wages.
E-hailing drivers and operators have held protests over the past few years, marching to the Gauteng Transport Department and Uber and Bolt offices, to call for the introduction of a regulatory framework that would improve working conditions for the industry.
Chairperson of the association, Thato Ramaila, said in an interview with eNCA that drivers are being exploited by low commissions, with Uber and other services taking a “ridiculous” 30% cut from the money their drivers make.
“At the end of the day, drivers are working for the company’s commission and petrol. Along with the cost of their vehicle maintenance, they are simply unable to afford basic living costs,” said Ramaila.
Ramaila also noted that driver’ drop-off and pick-up points expose them to life-threatening crimes, and the companies are refusing to engage constructively with drivers regarding these problems, further noting that the industry needs to be regulated to protect drivers.
He added that this call for a national shutdown of e-hailing services in the country would force the companies to engage with drivers.
The areas that are expected to be affected, according to Ramaila, are:
- Johannesburg;
- Rustenburg;
- Gqeberha (PE); and
- Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The Private Public Transport Association spokesperson, Vhatuka Mbelengwa, further shared that the shutdown is not an agreed-upon strategy by the entire industry, and they will still be drivers available to customers on Monday and throughout the week.
“This is not a formally organised strike, with a start and end point, but more of a call to drivers to join the cause,” said Mbelengwa
However, he stressed that possible disruptions are expected, and South Africans planning on using the apps should exercise vigilance.