Wanatu defends Afrikaans language requirement

THE controversial e-hailing transport service Wanatu has defended its policy of requiring drivers in Pretoria and Centurion to be proficient in Afrikaans, arguing the requirement does not impede hiring but rather is a skill that can be developed.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

The company’s chief executive officer Judith van der Walt said, “Wanatu identified the Afrikaans-speaking community in Pretoria and Centurion as a niche market and point of entry to the e-hailing industry, and therefore a Wanatu passenger is guaranteed that his or her driver can speak Afrikaans.”

She said Wanatu’s core vision is to provide a secure, dependable, and accessible e-hailing experience for vulnerable passengers such as women and children “with well-trained drivers that speak their language is our core vision and promise to our commuters who choose Wanatu”.

She was addressing concerns raised by critics who accuse the e-hailing company of discriminatory practices by prioritising Afrikaans-speaking drivers.