New e-hailing regulations: drivers voice concerns over safety and affordability

SOUTH Africa’s new e-hailing regulations set to take effect next month have sparked mixed reactions among drivers, who express concerns over safety, affordability and the potential impact on their livelihoods.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

These regulations include mandatory driver registration, operational licences, vehicle branding, and the installation of panic buttons, aimed at safeguarding both drivers and passengers amid a backdrop of rising crime

The National Land Transport Amendment Act was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June last year, and is being gazetted and expected to come into effect by next month.

In a statement, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said she believed the tules would cool rising tensions between e-hailing and taxi drivers, and they were committed to working and supporting e-hailing drivers, who were mainly young people determined to live a decent life.

But local e-hailing drivers are concerned about the safety and affordability of the rules.

Darryle Padayachee, 49, of Phoenix, said while he welcomed the new regulations, which he believed would ensure that drivers and passengers would be safe, he felt adhering to the requirements was unaffordable.

“We are not in a position to pay for added registration processes, or modify our vehicles to allow for enhanced safety measures. Panic buttons will keep us safe if we can get to it during a robbery or a hijacking, but it will come at a cost.

“T started driving for a private e-hailing service when I lost my job as a truck driver in 2019. I earn about R4 000 per month. This is not enough to take care of my family.

“T would also not be able to afford annual licences, as my earnings are too little.”

Padayachee is against ehailing cars being branded due to safety concerns.

“E-hailing drivers have become easy targets for robberies and hijackings. Whenever I leave my house, I pray | am protected and do not become a victim of crime.