The Afrikaans e-hailing operator Wanatu is restructuring its business model and revamping its services in an effort to respond to user complaints.
Wanatu is a South African e-hailing platform that uses a different operating model than its international competitors like Bolt and Uber.
Drivers on these apps are contractors who receive earnings based on the number of trips they complete and the distance they travel.
In contrast, Wanatu’s drivers are considered employees and are paid a guaranteed basic monthly salary, which provides better financial security and reduces the pressure to complete as many trips as possible.
However, an individual recently contacted MyBroadband claiming that Wanatu was retrenching employees and slashing the basic salary from R8,500 to R6,200 per month – a 27% reduction.
Wanatu confirmed that it had reduced its guaranteed salary, but that this was being supplemented by a new compensation model intended to optimise driver performance.
“To date, all drivers have been paid the same, regardless of performance, achievement of goals, or service quality. There was no formal mechanism in place to reward excellent performance or to address poor performance,” it said.
“The new system makes it possible for drivers to earn more than they currently do while advancing fairness and accountability.”
The e-hailing provider denied the claim that there were widespread retrenchments; however, it did acknowledge that the new depot-based operating model may not be suitable for all of its drivers.
“Service contracts are being adjusted accordingly, and drivers are being taken through a formal consultation process, as required by law,” it said.
“Not all drivers are in a position to accept the new terms, primarily due to personal or logistical circumstances. These situations are being handled individually.”
Wanatu also stated that it had terminated some of its drivers over contract transgressions or continued poor performance.
“In all such cases, a fair and procedural disciplinary process was followed in accordance with applicable labour legislation.
The company said it was possible that some of the complaints received by the media were from individuals who were dropped from Wanatu over disciplinary issues.
A small but growing service
Wanatu is a relatively new e-hailing service that launched in 2024, and is currently limited to Pretoria and Centurion in Gauteng, though it also accepts rides to Lanseria and O.R. Tambo International Airport.
The company faced a controversy in 2025 regarding its employment policy, requiring all applicants to be able to speak Afrikaans.
Wanatu defended the policy, arguing that it ensures the service is relevant to its primary demographic, where being able to converse in a rider’s home language is highly valued.
As of January 2026, Wanatu has 116,401 registered users, compared to 62,662 users in March 2026, indicating strong growth for the service.
It recently added six new cars to its fleet of Toyota Corolla Cross hybrids, and is in the process of acquiring more.
Wanatu’s new goal for 2026 is to focus on structural improvements and operational sustainability by responding to customer feedback.
“During 2025, we received valuable feedback from customers regarding their usage and the functionality of the current app,” it said.
“These inputs are currently being used to develop an improved app with the purpose of strengthening ease-of-use, functionality, and client experience.”
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