New law aims to crack the whip on chaos in transport industry

AS TENSIONS between the taxi industry and e-hailing operators continue to escalate, South Africa is preparing to introduce a new transport law.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

The National Land Transport Amendment Act (NLTA), which comes into effect in just a week, seeks to formally regulate e-hailing services, promote fairness in the transport sector, strengthen commuter safety, and curb the violent clashes that have increasingly unsettled communities across the country.

Earlier this month, the country saw violent clashes between e-hailing drivers and taxi operators. In Soweto, an e-hailing driver was shot dead, his car set on fire, and two others were injured outside Maponya Mall, sparking widespread protests.

Last Wednesday, in KwaDabeka, two e-hailing drivers were shot at and attacked by taxi operators after being confronted and told to leave the area.

Police later detained 15 people for questioning, including taxi drivers and owners, and confiscated 12 firearms during followup operations.

The next day, the Benoni Taxi Association (BTA) halted all taxi operations in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, leaving commuters scrambling for alternative transport. The BTA cited the impoundment of minibus taxis, claiming the vehicles were being unfairly targeted for operating without licences.