E-hailing drivers in Johannesburg are set to stage a shutdown on Tuesday in protest against persistent issues with fare structures, high commission rates by platforms like Uber and Bolt, and unresolved licensing problems.
The planned action is expected to disrupt ride-hailing services across the city. Drivers have urged commuters to find alternative transport for the day. According to the SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) , protestors will gather in Kramerville near the Uber Greenlight Hub before marching to the company’s South African headquarters in Parktown.
Drivers say the shutdown will continue until their concerns are addressed, particularly their demand for fare increases and reduced commission percentages.
The dispute over e-hailing commissions and pricing models has been ongoing. Drivers have regularly protested for better pay, including demonstrations outside Parliament in November 2021. In September 2024, drivers also staged a protest at King Shaka International Airport, led by the KZN (KwaZulu-Natal) E-hailing Council, which demanded higher fares, lower platform commissions, and improved safety for both drivers and passengers.
The latest Johannesburg shutdown follows earlier tensions in January when the E-hailing Partners Council (EPC) warned of a province-wide shutdown in Gauteng over the impounding of drivers’ vehicles and the lack of proper licensing channels. Although the EPC did not formally endorse that protest, it acknowledged frustration over what it called unjust impoundments, blaming the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport for failing to issue operating licences.
According to the EPC, the department has a backlog of nearly two years and has only issued around 9,000 of the 21,000 licence applications received. The council criticised the department for imposing another moratorium to address the backlog while allowing vehicle impoundments to continue.
“This is despite the department having imposed a moratorium four years ago to fast-track the backlog,” the EPC said. “On the other hand, they are allowing impoundments to take place, yet the lack of compliance is caused by the department.”
The EPC has since escalated the matter to the Gauteng Premier’s office and the National Department of Transport. The council says the national minister committed to advancing the issue at an upcoming meeting of transport ministers and MECs.
Efforts to streamline the licensing process received a legislative boost in June 2024 when President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) into law. The law allows e-hailing operators to apply for operating licences in the same manner as other public transport providers.
“Now that the President has signed the Amendment Bill, regulations will be submitted to the Office of the State Law Advisor for certification and submitted to the Minister for approval,” then-Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said at the time.
She described the law’s signing as a major milestone for e-hailing services. “The NLTA now reflects our commitment to a modern, inclusive, and efficient transport system,” she said.
