South Africa’s e-hailing sector is bracing for major disruption as drivers across the country prepare to embark on a nationwide strike in protest against poor working conditions, unviable pricing models, and what they describe as exploitative treatment by both companies and government.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Dan Gold/Unsplash
The warning comes from Elijah Uhuru Lekgowane, President of the National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA), who has confirmed that a coordinated national strike is imminent, as reported by Business Tech.
This follows recent developments in Johannesburg, where drivers have threatened a shutdown over ongoing concerns—including high commission rates charged by platforms like Uber and Bolt, as well as fares that have become increasingly unprofitable.
“The mother of all protest actions is about to hit the country—sooner rather than later,” said Lekgowane, adding that a national coordinating committee meeting will soon finalise the timing.
E-hailing users in Johannesburg have already been urged to arrange alternative transport, with some drivers stating the protest action will continue until their demands are heard and pricing structures re-evaluated.
Mounting pressure on e-hailing drivers
The core of the frustration lies in longstanding grievances over commission percentages and fare pricing. Despite being a vital part of urban transportation—helping commuters shop, socialise, or return home safely—drivers say they are reaching a breaking point.
“We’ve seen a 35% slashing of fares since 2016, and now drivers are being deactivated without due process,” Lekgowane explained.
“On top of that, the platforms are phasing out vehicles older than five years, even if drivers still owe money to the banks on those cars. It’s completely unreasonable.”
Lekgowane noted that, until now, protest actions had largely been regional or city-based. This time, NEFSA is driving a unified national approach.
“Previously, provinces and regions would protest on their own. This time, we are consolidating our efforts nationally,” he said.
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Clear demands, rising tensions
NEFSA’s list of demands includes a complete restructuring of the pricing index, an end to what it calls arbitrary driver deactivations, and the immediate suspension of vehicle phase-out policies.
“We’re calling for a restructuring of the pricing index. That’s central,” said Lekgowane.
“We’re also demanding an immediate stop to the deactivation and harassment of our drivers, especially when they go on strike.”
“Some of our members have already received emails threatening them with deactivation just for participating in a legal protest.”
Another major sticking point is the financial pressure placed on drivers due to platform policies that prohibit older vehicles, even when those cars are still being paid off.
NEFSA has also taken aim at the government, accusing it of collusion with e-hailing platforms.
“Our government seems to be conniving and conspiring with these companies,” Lekgowane said.
“We are running a charity”
While the date of the strike has not yet been announced, Lekgowane stressed that a unified provincial strategy is being mapped out.
“At the moment, we can’t say the strike will happen tomorrow, but what I can guarantee is that national action is coming,” he said.
“Right now, we are running a charity and can’t afford it anymore. We are saying to the app companies: if we can’t make earnings, you can’t make a profit. It’s as simple as that.”
He also highlighted the personal toll the situation is taking on drivers.
“You see drivers sleeping in their cars at 02h00, waiting for work, so that they can put food on the table. This has become a major problem. Something has to change.”
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