E-hailing drivers in KwaZulu-Natal are voicing their frustration over what they describe as unclear government regulations and unfair vehicle impoundments. Many claim they were not properly informed about new permit requirements and are now being penalised despite having the necessary documentation.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said that a team from the Provincial Regulatory Entity, led by head of department Siboniso Mbhele, had been assigned to engage with stakeholders to clarify the situation.
“There is confusion about applications for permits, and concerns have been raised about the impounding of vehicles of e-hailing drivers,” Duma said.
He explained that the engagements with industry representatives were aimed at clarifying issues around the operating licence and grant letter requirement before an operator card is issued.
Duma emphasised that the National Land Transport Amendment Act, signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2024, is meant to formalise the industry.
“Apart from formalising the industry to ensure that operators comply with the legal standards, the amendments will strengthen the public transport system and ensure the safety of passengers and operators,” he said.
However, drivers argue that they were not consulted or given clear instructions before these changes took effect.
Mandla Zungu, an e-hailing driver, expressed frustration over what he sees as unnecessary bureaucracy.
“The car is already on the road. Why are you not calling me to the table to tell me, ‘okay, there’s new changes, now we’re asking for permits’?” he asked.
Zungu insists that drivers already have the required documentation. “Actually, our current permit is a double-disc. So we already have permits. Why are they demanding more permits than what we have already?”
The KZN E-Hailing Council has echoed these concerns, saying the process has been chaotic and unfair.
“This confuses us because the people who should be protecting us are the ones arresting us,” said spokesperson Mzo Ngcobo.
Ngcobo pointed out that there is no clear guidance on where drivers should obtain the required permits. He revealed that the impounding of vehicles have become a serious issue.
“For example, on Friday in Pietermaritzburg, 11 cars were impounded,” he said.
Ngcobo noted that when e-hailing services first launched in South Africa, drivers only needed a double-disc and a black number plate. The introduction of new permits, he said, has created uncertainty about how the industry will be regulated.
“E-hailing operates everywhere, so we are not sure if the introduction of this permit will make us operate like taxis,” he explained.
He accused law enforcement agencies, including the Msunduzi Municipality, Durban Metro, and KZN traffic officers, of unfairly targeting e-hailing drivers.
“This is an unfair legal practice and a lack of understanding of the amendment bill that has not been put into effect.”
Ngcobo said the council is seeking legal advice to challenge the impoundments. E-hailing drivers say they feel abandoned by both the government and the ride-hailing companies they work for, he added.
He said that attempts to meet with company representatives have been unsuccessful.
Andile Ncube, an e-hailing driver, said that the situation has left drivers confused and uncertain about their future.
“I would say we do feel neglected because there hasn’t been any communication between us as drivers and the government. This means the government is pushing its own intentions of taxing the e-hailing platform while still neglecting the drivers as workers,” he argued.