Wanatu is stepping up to challenge the recent vehicle impoundments by Tshwane Metro Police, taking legal action to defend e-hailing drivers’ rights, and is now calling on fellow drivers to join the fight for justice.

This comes after Three of the “Afrikaans” e-hailing service Wanatu’s vehicles were impounded by the Tshwane metro police Department (TMPD) on Wednesday for operating without permits.

Wanatu chief executive Judith van der Walt announced on Friday that the company will be fighting for e-hailing driver rights in court.

”If you are an e-hailing driver and can’t represent yourself, join our application. We’re finalising documents today, so contact us urgently to participate,” Wanatu urged drivers.

Van der Walt said they were extending an open invitation to all other e-hailing drivers, including Bolt, Uber, and inDrive, to join the legal action against authorities.

”We are in the process of finalising the necessary documents,” she said, adding that interested drivers should contact the company.

Build One SA’s Ayanda Allie earlier this week raised concerns on X about Wanatu, an Afrikaans e-hailing platform, operating without permits while other platforms like Uber, inDrive, and Bolt face regular vehicle impoundments by Tshwane Metro Police.

Allie claims the Gauteng Regulatory Entity has asked for leniency due to a permit backlog, but Tshwane continues its actions, contributing to job losses and even suicides.

Wanatu, which launched in October 2024 and has rapidly grown, has now temporarily suspended services due to ongoing vehicle impoundments, stating they will pursue legal action.

Also read: Several ‘Afrikaans Uber’ Wanatu vehicles impounded

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