E-hailing drivers in KZN face harassment and violence

RECENT reports of sustained harassment and dangerous intimidation, directed at e-hailing drivers across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are deeply disturbing. Drivers are being victimised, frequently attacked or threatened, their vehicles damaged or shot at and - in some tragic cases - fatally harmed, simply while doing their jobs. 

These drivers are not criminals. They are everyday people trying to earn an honest living while contributing to our local economy and helping to reduce KZN’s shockingly high number unemployment figures. Yet they face unlawful violence orchestrated by competing taxi operators, leaving them fearing for their safety. 

KZN’s e-Hailing Council points to the absence of clear regulation as directly contributing to these violent turf wars. This while the long-overdue National Land Transport Amendment Act, signed in 2024, has still not been fully implemented, leaving e-hailing drivers unprotected and exploited.

Platform companies are further exacerbating this crisis. Commission rates have surged to between 45% and 50%, while ride fares have decreased. This has led to severe financial distress for drivers, with many unable to service their vehicle loans and facing repossession.

As a partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) the DA demands immediate safety protections for e-hailing drivers, including visible police presence, crime hotlines and rapid response mechanisms.

We also call for the urgent enforcement of the National Land Transport Amendment Act to regulate e-hailing services, define clear operating zones and integrate them into the broader public transport framework. Finally, we are committed to ensuring stakeholder engagement, in order to collaborate on long-term solutions. 

Every South African has the right to earn a living free from fear, violence, or exploitation. 

RIONA GOKOOL, MPL

DA KZN Spokesperson Community Safety and Liaison

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

THE POST