DURBAN - E-hailing drivers have called on the South African government to regulate the industry, complaining about exploitation and unfair working conditions.
The drivers came out in their numbers as they embarked on day one of a three-day national shutdown, and took to the streets in Durban’s Central Business District, to hand over a memorandum of grievances at the Durban City Hall.
Sabelo Dube, spokesperson for the South African E-Hailing Association (SAEHA) said: “We are here to call on the government to regulate the E-hailing services. There are a whole lot of things that are happening that just don’t make sense, such as that their commissions are high, drivers have to work long hours to reach their targets and it is just not a safe industry.”
He added that the drivers had spoken to their companies but grievances were not being addressed.
The drivers are demanding improved pricing and payments in light of the petrol price increase, improved security measures for both the driver and the passenger, and an end to alleged exploitation by the companies.
According to e-hailing driver, Sihle Ndu, it is important that the government intervenes.
“We are working for next-to-nothing because the prices are ridiculous and it is not safe at all. You put your life on the line everyday by simply getting into the car and accepting that ride,” said Ndu.
He added that regulation would bring stability to the industry and make it viable and respected.
The intended recipients of the memorandum are the Presidency, Department of Trade Industry and Competition, and the Minister or MEC at the Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison- to account for the inconsistency in the determination of fares.
The e-hailing drivers have given the government14-days to respond to their grievances.