The IThemba E-Hailing Association in Primrose is urging all e-hailing drivers to comply with regulations.

They have also raised serious concerns about the required compliance, which they describe as unfair and impractical requirements imposed by the National Department of Transport (NDoT).

The department has reiterated that the 180-day deadline, effective from September 12, 2025, is underway for e-hailing operators to convert their charter permits and metered taxi licences into e-hailing operating licences.

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The deadline extension closed in March, and yet many operators have not complied with the new regulations.

However, the association, representing a collective of drivers and vehicle owners, says the process remains confusing and inaccessible to many.

“There is both an operator licence and a permit required, but many drivers do not understand what is needed or how to obtain these documents,” the association said.

Drivers have raised concerns about increased enforcement, with some reporting that their vehicles are being impounded during roadside checks for non-compliance.

The association highlighted the financial strain placed on drivers.

“A double disc is required from the vehicle owner, and approximately R5 000 is needed for the permit. After paying the vehicle owner and the e-hailing platform, what is the driver left with?” asked the association chairperson, Thabile Sibeko.

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The group argues that drivers are effectively being “charged twice” – once by the government through regulatory requirements and again by e-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt.

“We believe the government should regulate the app companies directly, and then drivers can comply through those platforms, as many of us are subcontracted under these services,” said Sibeko.

In addition to regulatory concerns, the association also raised safety issues, alleging that some members of the taxi industry are targeting e-hailing drivers over route disputes.

“We call on the taxi industry to stop victimising e-hailing drivers and to compete fairly. Lives are being lost due to these tensions,” said Sibeko.

“At the same time, the association has encouraged its members to remain law-abiding.”

“We urge our drivers to comply with app rules and not operate outside designated areas. Any driver found violating the law must face the consequences accordingly.”

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The association emphasised that it is not opposed to regulation, but rather to what it views as unfair implementation.

“We are not saying the department must not regulate the industry, but in doing so, they must consider the realities faced by drivers,” said Sibeko.

The National Department of Transport (NDoT) raised concern over the slow pace at which e-hailing platform companies and individual operators are registering their digital platforms with the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR).

National spokesperson Collen Msibi said the department is now calling on all e-hailing platform providers to prioritise registration with the NPTR.

“The department urges all providers of e-hailing platforms working with operators to register their digital applications as a matter of urgency,” said Msibi.

He warned that failure to register platforms will have serious consequences for operators.

“Without a registered app, no operator will be able to convert to an e-hailing operating licence or apply for a new one. This means that after the required period, those who have not complied will automatically be regarded as illegal operators.”

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The department emphasised that the requirements are in line with the National Land Transport Amendment Act, 2009 and its accompanying regulations, which mandate that all e-hailing platform providers must register their digital systems through the NPTR.

Unregistered platforms will not appear on provincial regulatory databases, preventing e-hailing operators from applying for operating licences in any of the nine provinces.

According to the department’s e-hailing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), platform providers must submit their applications using Form 9A, available on the department’s official website under the NPTR section.

Applications can be submitted in person, via email, or by post. The registration fee is R5 000 and is valid for seven years.

The department has also confirmed that it will convene a stakeholder engagement forum with e-hailing platform companies to further address the matter.

For enquiries, the NPTR can be contacted at 012 309 3752 / 309 3237 / 309 3024 or via email at NPTR@dot.gov.za