new laws for e-hailing drivers
After years of lobbying, there have been significant law changes for e-hailing drivers in South Africa. Picture: File.

Home » SA laws are finally changing for e-hailing drivers

SA laws are finally changing for e-hailing drivers

Following years of protest, e-hailing drivers in South Africa on apps like Bolt and Uber have finally won legislative support. Here’s more …

By Ray Leathern
20-06-24 13:19
in News
new laws for e-hailing drivers
After years of lobbying, there have been significant law changes for e-hailing drivers in South Africa. Picture: File.

It’s good news for e-hailing drivers in South Africa as important legislation was passed last week by President Cyril Ramaphosa, reports TopAuto. In amongst the machinations of a Government of National Unity and selection of National Assembly members, an important law change took place for e-hailing drivers in South Africa.

E-HAILING DRIVERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

e-hailing drivers in South Africa
E-hailing service in South Africa have enjoyed massive popularity but, equally, huge backlash as conditions economic conditions have made it harder for drivers to maintain their cars. Image: File

Specifically, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) into law. What this means for e-hailing drivers is they will be properly legislated. Drivers must apply for operating licences, just like any other any public-transport service provider in Mzansi.

Experts consider this amendment to the NLTA a big deal for e-hailing drivers in South Africa. The issue was first raised when firms like Uber and Bolt started in South Africa some 13-years ago. Similarly, e-hailing apps will no longer require metered taxi operating licences.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Tensions between e-hailing drivers and traditional forms of transport may never fully disappear. But law amendments are a step in the right direction. Image: File

Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga explains that the amended bill simplifies various provisions and solves other problems (like e-hailing) that have arisen since 2009. Specifically, the inability for e-hailing drivers to obtain operating licences has been a sore point for more than a decade.

The updated legislation also hopes to prevent illegal operation of e-hailing drivers in South Africa, with a penalty of up to R100 000 for non-compliance. Provinces are now empowered to suspend licences where an operator has contravened the NLTA. Likewise, experts believe the legislation will help reduce tensions between metered and minibus taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.

DIFFUSE TENSIONS

Minibus taxis still control the lion’s share of public transport in Mzansi. Image: File

Back in 2020, the Competition Commission revealed that nearly 80% of e-hailing operators in South Africa were without valid operating licences. As a result, violence between various public transport operators became a regular occurrence. E-hailing drivers have had their cars torched and damaged by minibus and metered taxi operators. In Gauteng, police and provincial government even had to step in to define operating territories for various factions. Time will tell whether these changes to the NLTA will diffuse tensions between service providers but it is a step in the right direction.

Tags: Bolt E-hailing drivers featured HNelnny Important