Grace Ashiru
E-hailing drivers in South Africa are facing an uncertain future after a recent ban on their operations in Soweto malls. The ban, which was agreed upon by the Soweto United E-hailing Association, the Soweto Taxi Association, and other stakeholders, is expected to last for three months.
The ban comes after a series of violent altercations between e-hailing drivers and taxi drivers in Soweto. In the most recent incident, which occurred last Monday at the Protea Glen Mall, three e-hailing drivers were injured and four vehicles were destroyed.
The reasons for the violence are complex and multifaceted. Some taxi drivers believe that e-hailing is a threat to their livelihoods, while others have accused e-hailing drivers of operating illegally. There have also been concerns about the safety of passengers who use e-hailing services.
The ban on e-hailing drivers operating in Soweto malls is a temporary measure, but it is unclear what the long-term solution to the problem will be. The South African government has been working on a National Transport Amendment Bill, which would regulate the e-hailing industry, but the bill has been met with opposition from some quarters.
In the meantime, e-hailing drivers in South Africa are facing an uncertain future. They are caught between a rock and a hard place: if they continue to operate, they risk violence from taxi drivers; if they stop operating, they lose their livelihoods.
The situation is a reminder of the need for regulation of the e-hailing industry in South Africa. The current situation is unfair to e-hailing drivers and it is also a threat to public safety. The government must pass the National Transport Amendment Bill and bring the e-hailing industry into the formal economy.
In addition to regulation, many other things can be done to improve the situation for e-hailing drivers in South Africa. These include:
Providing better security for drivers: This could include measures such as installing security cameras in e-hailing vehicles and providing drivers with panic buttons.
Improving working conditions: This could include measures such as setting minimum rates for fares and ensuring that drivers are paid on time.
Providing better access to insurance: This could include measures such as providing drivers with access to affordable health insurance and car insurance.
The government, the e-hailing industry, and the taxi industry all have a role to play in improving the situation for e-hailing drivers in South Africa. By working together, they can create a more fair and just system that benefits everyone involved.
