The National E-hailing Federation of South Africa (Nefsa) has announced that unless their demands over pay and working conditions are met, their drivers will down tools nationwide.
This was said by Nefsa president Elijah Lekgowane while speaking to Cape Talk, who explained that growing discontent among e-hailing associations has led to the industry coming together to demand their concerns be addressed.
These concerns include e-hailing platforms slashing fares by 35% since 2016, deactivating driver accounts without due process, and phasing out vehicles older than five years.
He also notes that the lack of safety features in the apps poses a risk to their lives and that the combination of these issues has prompted their current stance.
“Previously, we had provincial regions going solo on protest marches. We are now consolidating at national level. The mother of all protest actions is about to hit the country — sooner rather than later,” Lekgowane said.
When questioned about when the strike may potentially happen, he said that they held a national coordinating committee meeting last week, where provincial associations gathered.
“We can’t say that it will happen tomorrow, but definitely, national action is coming. That is what I guarantee you,” he said.
“We are saying to the app companies: If we can’t make earnings, you can’t make profit. As simple as that.”
Platforms like Uber and Bolt have insisted that they have added numerous features to address Nefsa’s concerns.
This includes safety features such as the ability for riders to share their in-trip locations with others, in-trip audio recording, and the requirement for drivers to enter a PIN before a trip can start.
However, riders and drivers have reported being victims of crimes by the other party.
Lekgowane also indicated that the government is complicit in these issues.
“Our government seems to be conniving and conspiring with these people. The silence of this government is deafening,” he said.
Demand for higher prices
Early this month, Johannesburg e-hailing drivers staged a shutdown to protest issues like Uber’s commission percentages being unreasonable.
Prices and commissions on e-hailing platforms have been a long-standing issue, with drivers frequently protesting for higher pay.
This has included demonstrations outside of parliament in November 2021 and recently in September 2024, a planned shutdown and demonstration outside of King Shaka Airport.
The KZN E-hailing Council also demanded higher prices with added requests for improved safety for drivers and riders, and lower app commissions.
Adding to this, the E-hailing Partners Council (EPC) warned of a shutdown of Gauteng e-hailing services in January over the impounding of vehicles and an absence in proper licensing channels.
The EPC also noted that the department is allowing impoundments to take place despite the lack of compliance not being the fault of drivers.
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