Members of the E-hailing Partners Council of Gauteng marched through the streets of Johannesburg on Tuesday before handing over a memorandum of demands at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and the provincial transport department. The protest was sparked by what the council calls a failed previous attempt by the provincial government to address the significant challenges faced by e-hailing drivers.
The drivers’ central demand is for the Gauteng Roads and Transport Department to use its regulatory powers to set standardized fare prices and take decisive action to improve driver safety. The march highlights the growing tension between app-based drivers and the companies they work for, coupled with frustration over perceived government inaction.
Protesters held placards calling on the government to intervene on several critical issues. Beyond fare regulation, drivers are demanding the clearance of a significant five-year backlog in the issuance of operating permits. A spokesperson for the drivers highlighted a Catch-22 situation: “They want you to have one, but they don’t issue it. When you meet up with officers on the road, they impound your vehicle.”
Council leadership specifically pointed to the volatility of fare pricing and the high commissions charged by e-haling companies. A representative stated that commissions have skyrocketed to as much as 48%, a steep increase from 25% or even 15% just a few years ago. They argue this makes it increasingly difficult for drivers to earn a sustainable living.
To support their demand for price regulation, the council cited Section 66 of the National Land Transport Act of 2009. They believe this law, which focuses on metered taxi services, grants the Provincial Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Transport the authority to intervene and set fares. “We are saying… let the government come through for the people of South Africa [and] determine the fares,” a leader said.
However, the government’s response indicates a legal disagreement. The MEC for Transport contends that the council has misinterpreted the law. A representative for the MEC clarified that the Act allows the minister or MEC to regulate public transportation fees only in consultation with municipalities. Furthermore, the MEC’s office stated that a lack of specific regulations for the e-haling industry complicates direct intervention.
Despite this, the MEC’s office acknowledged one of the key grievances, confirming that they will be working with municipalities to address the extensive backlog of driver permits.
The protest underscores the complex regulatory landscape surrounding South Africa’s gig economy and sets the stage for continued negotiations between drivers, multi-national app companies, and various levels of government.