A court battle is set to ensue after three of the Afrikaans e-hailing service Wanatu’s vehicles were impounded by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) yesterday for operating without permits.

According to Pretoria Rekord, Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya took to X to announce the impounding.

Impounding operations by TMPD of Wanatu e-hailing vehicles this morning in Centurion. The drivers were operating without permits. We do NOT discriminate when enforcing by-laws in Tshwane. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/o2Zxc0KJWZ

— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) February 5, 2025

“The drivers were operating without permits. We do not discriminate when enforcing bylaws in Tshwane,” she posted.

This follows a series of posts by Build One SA’s Ayanda Allie on X asking whether Wanatu had operating permits from the municipality.

“The Afrikaans e-hailing company Wanatu is operating freely, with ZERO permits & NO vehicle impounding whatsoever! But @CityTshwane is taking Uber, inDrive & Bolt cars left, right & centre! Here’s proof, please explain yourself!”

Allie said they met with the Gauteng Regulatory Entity, responsible for processing permits.

“We were informed that due to the backlog, the entity had requested Tshwane Metro Police Department to be lenient with e-hailing drivers who could produce proof of application.

“But no, @CityTshwane would not relent! They continued impounding Bolt, inDrive & Uber vehicles mercilessly! Contributing to job losses, family feuds & yes, even a suicide.

“We are not represented in council, but I will continue with this matter at provincial level after SOPA (even as I have already been engaging the MEC & her delegation). In the meantime, we ask the mayor to please intervene. We know that the impounding of e-hailing vehicles is a lucrative source of revenue for Tshwane, but the City cannot continue prioritising profit over people!”

Controversy

According to reports, the e-hailing platform Wanatu has sparked lively debates online with its fresh approach to the transport industry.

Debuting in October 2024, Wanatu is currently operating in Centurion and Pretoria, positioned as the first Afrikaans-language transportation service designed to create jobs and promote the Afrikaans language within the community.

The app has seen rapid growth since its launch, increasing from 10 000 subscribers to 30 000 in just one month.

Rekord reached out to Wanatu for comment, but the e-hailing platform has not yet responded.

In a Facebook post, the platform said:

“Wanatu service delivery has been temporarily suspended due to the actions of TMPD, including the unlawful impounding of our vehicles and the intimidation of our drivers. We will be going to court.”