Pretoria E-hailing Drivers Stage Protest Over Permit Delays and Impoundments

E-hailing drivers in Pretoria brought the city’s inner-city traffic to a standstill on Thursday, staging a protest against the Tshwane Metro Police’s impounding of their vehicles for lacking the necessary permits. Drivers from popular platforms like Uber, inDrive, and Bolt gathered outside Tshwane House, causing significant traffic disruptions.

The drivers expressed frustration over the slow pace of permit issuance by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, accusing officials of creating an unfair and burdensome process. They also alleged instances of corruption, claiming that some officers demanded bribes to avoid impoundments.

“The government is making it impossible for us to work,” stated Wonder Gala, President of the Pretoria e-hailing association. “We are forced to pay exorbitant fees to release our impounded vehicles, and some officers are exploiting the situation for personal gain.”

Gala emphasized the inconsistency in government regulations, highlighting the initial simpler requirements and the subsequent increase in bureaucratic hurdles.

Lwalo Nuntzeni, an e-hailing driver from Florida, echoed the concerns, stating, “The issue of impounding vehicles is spreading throughout the province, impacting drivers across Gauteng.”

Mlungisi Mabuya, from the Pretoria West e-hailing association, criticized the government’s lack of transparency and the significant delays in permit processing. Despite assurances of a three-month turnaround time, many drivers have been waiting for years.

The City of Tshwane’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, acknowledged the permit backlog, stating that over 6,100 applications remain pending. She highlighted the establishment of a crisis committee to address the issue.

However, protesters refused to submit their grievances to Mogale, demanding to be heard by Mayor Nasiphi Moya. Mogale criticized the protest as politicized, while also acknowledging that some drivers may not meet the necessary documentation requirements.

Build One South Africa (BOSA) joined the fray, calling on the National and Gauteng Departments of Transport, and the City of Tshwane to expedite the permit issuance process. BOSA member Ayanda Allie emphasized the need for the government to adapt to the evolving digital economy and address the outdated regulations hindering e-hailing services.