The KwaZulu-Natal E-hailing Council has blamed the lack of regulation of the e-hailing industry for the recent attacks on the drivers.
On Wednesday, two e-hailing drivers were assaulted, and one of the vehicles was shot at in KwaDabeka near Pinetown, allegedly by taxi drivers.
Two weeks ago, an e-hailing driver who had just started his job was shot and burnt to death in his car at Maponya Mall in Soweto.
Council chairperson Sipho Mabika blames the government for being too slow in implementing the National Land Transport Amendment Act to regulate the industry.
“We wish that the government could fast-forward the regulation because the bill was signed in 2024. So, we don’t know what is holding up the regulation of the industry because it seems like all these things are happening because of the regulation that is not in place. We have been talking about this since 2018, complaining to the government – we did everything, we submitted our memorandum to the government, but we never got a response. So, it has taken too long to be regulated.”
Meanwhile, the Gauteng E-hailing Services (GES) says proper regulation within the e-hailing industry will help decrease criminality and exploitation.
The GES says there is a need for unity in the public transport sector, accountability, and proper leadership.
The organisation says they are advocating formal structures to enhance safety, security and legal compliance.
-Report by Busisiwe Mkhize
