E-hailing services, including Uber and Bolt, were brought to a halt in Johannesburg on Tuesday, as drivers took part in a shutdown protesting commission fees and fare structures.
Uber shutdown in Johannesburg: Here’s what drove the protests
The protest, staged by e-hailing drivers, highlighted ongoing frustrations over pricing, licensing, and the lack of regulation enforcement.
The drivers, many of whom gathered in Kramerville near the Uber Greenlight Hub, marched to Uber’s South African headquarters in Parktown.
Their goal was to deliver a message to the ride-hailing companies and push for an adjustment in how pricing is determined for trips.
The protest came with a warning to commuters to seek alternative transportation for the day, as Uber and Bolt rides would likely be unavailable or severely disrupted across Johannesburg.
E-hailing drivers expressed dissatisfaction with what they say are unfair pricing systems and high commission fees taken by the platforms.
These complaints were amplified by a long-standing issue in South Africa: the difficulty drivers face in acquiring proper operating licences, often resulting in vehicle impoundments by authorities.
This isn’t the first time these concerns have boiled over. In January, the E-hailing Partners Council (EPC), an organisation representing ride-hailing drivers, flagged the possibility of a major shutdown over similar grievances.
Though the EPC distanced itself from this week’s protest, it reaffirmed its stance against what it called unjust vehicle impoundments and licensing barriers.
Many drivers believe that despite working long hours, they are not earning a fair income.
One of the protest leaders, Awelani Mashete, said their demands were straightforward and focused entirely on pricing.
“As the Uber drivers, we will continue with the strike until they have answered our demand,” said Mashete, speaking to SABC News.
“We are not fighting for many things, but we are only fighting for a price.”
Mashete and others argue that the current pricing model, especially after Uber’s commission changes, leaves drivers with too little income after expenses such as petrol prices and vehicle maintenance are deducted.
The strike, they say, will not end until Uber addresses their complaints.
With no immediate solution announced, the city’s commuters may continue to experience service delays until an agreement is reached.
