Independent mediator to resolve e-hailing issues
“We believe a negotiated settlement is a far better mechanism to resolve issues as opposed to protests.”
Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing driver-partners along with the Gauteng transport department hope an independent mediator will help resolve some of the challenges faced by the industry.
This comes after Gauteng public transport and roads infrastructure MEC Jacob Mamabolo met with e-hailing service companies, as well as their driver-partners.
During the meeting, they agreed to a one-month formalised negotiation process.
It was agreed that this process would be facilitated by an independent mediator.
Mamabolo described the inaugural meeting of the parties as “constructive and fruitful”.
“Both parties welcomed and appreciated the opportunity afforded by the engagements. They agreed that some issues will require some time and will not be finalised overnight. It is for this reason that we have agreed on the appointment of an independent mediator to facilitate the process,” he said.
He indicated that an independent mediator was in a position to provide an objective, detailed report with a clear way forward on how to resolve the issues affecting both parties.
“We believe a negotiated settlement is a far better mechanism to resolve issues as opposed to protests.”
Mamabolo said a variety of issues raised by driver-partners remained unresolved for years.
The department had hoped that the agreed month-long negotiation period will be enough for parties to “find each other” and come up with sustainable solutions.
He urged all parties not to engage in disruptive behaviour and protests, but to choose dialogue as a means to raise and resolve issues.
This follows a protest march to the transport department’s offices in Struben Street, Pretoria Central, calling for better services, earlier this month.
The protesters demanded government intervene because they believed e-hailing companies were not doing enough to protect them when it comes to security issues such as hijacking and robberies.
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