E-HAILING DRIVERS PLAN NATIONAL STRIKE

Tue 12 August 2025:

E-Hailing Association Chairperson Siyabonga Hlabisa said preparations are underway by e-hailing drivers for a national strike, with association members set to meet to finalise the plan, logistics, and timing.

The Western Cape branch will host a mass meeting to outline the action plan and secure the involvement of all provinces. The aim, he said, is to ensure a united and coordinated protest that will have maximum national impact.

Drivers have held numerous discussions with major app companies, including Uber, Bolt, and InDrive. Still, Hlabisa said these talks have not resulted in meaningful change.

He claimed some platforms have even avoided further engagement, deepening drivers’ frustration.

“We’ve been engaging with these app companies for a very long time, especially Uber, Bolt and InDrive. Unfortunately, it looks like they don’t listen to our grievances because now they’re starting to run away from continuing engagement with us, especially apps like Uber. It’s a challenge because drivers are frustrated and tired of being ignored.”

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Commission Rates are Hurting Drivers

One of the main points of contention is the high commission charged by platforms, which drivers say cuts into their already limited earnings.

Hlabisa said this leaves many unable to cover costs, making the business unsustainable. He added that this issue alone has become a key driver of the planned strike.

“The commission at this current moment is up to 40% from Uber, and the biggest issue is that drivers can’t afford to make a living. There’s no profit in this business at all. That is why we feel it is high time we stop engaging and go straight to the streets to protest.”

Safety has also become a pressing concern. Hlabisa said drivers are regularly sent into dangerous areas without adequate safeguards.

He claimed these areas are sometimes marked as surge zones, which encourages drivers to work there despite the risks.

“Drivers are getting killed every day, and these app companies are not improving their safety features. They are continuously exposing drivers to dangerous areas and making those areas surge zones so that drivers are forced to go there. This puts our lives at risk daily.”

Moreover, Hlabisa said the association has repeatedly raised concerns with the government but has seen no progress.

He described the exploitation of e-hailing drivers as a global problem, stressing that South African drivers are determined to be heard.

“We have engaged the government several times, but nothing changes. This exploitation is happening all over the world, and we want to make sure the government hears us now. We are frustrated as drivers, and we are not going to take it anymore.”

Exploring Local App Alternatives

If the major platforms fail to respond, Hlabisa said the association is prepared to work with smaller local apps.

He noted that some local companies have already engaged with the association and could be supported as alternatives.

“We’ve been inviting a lot of local apps to come on board because they can intervene and assist us. We are prepared to work with whoever is willing to address our grievances and create better conditions. These companies must be given a chance to grow and compete.”

Hlabisa outlined what the association believes would be fair solutions. He called for commissions to be reduced and fares to be increased to reflect rising operating costs, including fuel.

“They should consider dropping their commission up to 18% and increasing the fare price. Petrol has gone up multiple times, yet fares haven’t changed, and drivers are suffering. A fair starting fare would be R50 for any trip to ensure we can make a living.”