E-hailing operators demand resolution as Pretoria’s CBD traffic comes to a standstill.
Pretoria’s bustling inner-city traffic was brought to a halt on Thursday as frustrated inDrive, Uber and Bolt drivers staged a large-scale protest. The e-hailing operators are outraged over the Tshwane metro police’s ongoing impoundment of vehicles lacking necessary permits, blaming inefficiencies in the permit-issuing process by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.
Drivers Unite Against Permit Issues and Corruption
Protesters parked their vehicles outside Tshwane House on Madiba Street, creating traffic gridlock across several key intersections. The drivers accused metro police officers of demanding permits that the government has failed to issue on time.
Wonder Gala, president of the Pretoria E-Hailing Association, stated:
“We’re being punished for something beyond our control. The permit process is stalled, and when our vehicles are impounded, we’re forced to pay R6,000 for release. Some officers even demand bribes of up to R1,500 to avoid impoundment.”
Gala also highlighted the evolving and increasingly complex requirements for e-hailing permits, which have left many operators frustrated. Drivers now need a PrDP document, a roadworthiness certificate, and a double-disc, among other certifications, but these documents are often delayed for years.
A Province-Wide Problem
The issue isn’t limited to Pretoria. Lwalo Nuntzeni, an e-hailer from Florida, noted:
“From Pretoria to Germiston, the problem is spreading like wildfire. Even routes to OR Tambo International Airport aren’t safe from vehicle impoundments.”
Mlungisi Mabuya, representing the Pretoria West E-Hailing Association, added that many drivers have receipts for permit applications submitted two to three years ago, yet their permits remain unprocessed.
Backlogs and Delayed Solutions
In November 2024, drivers met with City of Tshwane representatives to address the backlog of permit applications. At the time, Tlangi Mogale, the MMC for Roads and Transport, revealed a staggering backlog of 6,100 applications, with only 2,500 processed to date. A crisis committee was established to meet weekly and expedite the process, but progress remains slow.
On Thursday, protesters refused to submit their grievances to Mogale, demanding the presence of Mayor Nasiphi Moya, who was unavailable. Mogale described the protest as highly politicized, stating that some foreign nationals among the operators lacked the required documentation for permit applications.
Political and Economic Ramifications
Build One South Africa (BOSA) has urged national and provincial transport authorities to address the situation urgently. Ayanda Allie, a BOSA member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, criticized outdated regulations:
“E-hailing drivers are essential to the digital economy, yet they’re being denied permits due to archaic meter taxi laws. This stifles innovation and job creation.”
What’s Next?
With the protest drawing attention to the dire situation faced by e-hailing operators, all eyes are on the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport to address the backlog and streamline the permit process. Until then, drivers continue to face uncertainty, financial strain, and harassment.
Also read: 200 Electric Ubers Set to Launch in South Africa in 2025, Starting in Joburg
