The National E-Hailers Federation of South Africa (NEFSA) has called for the establishment of a dedicated police response unit to address escalating violence against e-hailing drivers, following the fatal shooting of a driver at Maponya Mall in Soweto last week.
NEFSA spokesperson Tella Masakale condemned the attack as part of a broader pattern of intimidation and violence against e-hailing operators, rather than an isolated incident. He urged the government to intervene decisively, warning that failure to act could lead to a nationwide e-hailing shutdown in protest.
A Growing Crisis
Masakale revealed that e-hailing drivers face daily threats, hijackings, and even killings, particularly near malls, taxi ranks, and transport hubs. The recent killing at Maponya Mall, allegedly by taxi operators, has intensified calls for action.
“Drivers are bullied, harassed, and forced out of work opportunities by those who see e-hailing as a threat,” Masakale said. “This is not just a transport issue—it’s economic terrorism.”
Demands for Government Action
NEFSA has proposed three key interventions:
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Designated Safe Zones – Secure pickup and drop-off points at high-risk locations.
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Law Enforcement Partnerships – A specialized SAPS unit to tackle e-hailing-related crimes.
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Fair Pricing Regulations – Government intervention to prevent exploitative practices by multinational ride-hailing apps.
Masakale criticized the slow implementation of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) amendments, which aim to formalize the e-hailing sector, leaving drivers vulnerable to exploitation and violence.
Possible Nationwide Shutdown
With tensions escalating, NEFSA is considering a national shutdown within weeks if no action is taken. The federation is also advocating for locally developed ride-hailing apps to reduce reliance on foreign platforms.
“Drivers say goodbye to their families every morning, unsure if they’ll return home alive,” Masakale said. “How is this acceptable in a constitutional democracy?”
Government Response Awaited
The federation has engaged with transport authorities, but Masakale insists that without urgent structural reforms, the violence will persist.
As the e-hailing industry grows, so does the risk to its drivers. NEFSA’s ultimatum is clear: protect drivers or face a transport crisis.