Tshwane pledges support for e-hailing sector’s growth and compliance

The Tshwane metro has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing challenges faced by the e-hailing sector while promoting compliance and safety within the public transport system.

This follows a meeting held on February 11 at the Ou Raadsaal Council Chamber in Pretoria Central, where stakeholders from the e-hailing and metered taxi industries gathered to engage with government officials and chart a path forward.

The meeting, which was attended by over 100 participants, brought together e-hailing drivers, vehicle operators, representatives from associations, and service platform providers, including the emerging platform WANATU.

Government entities such as the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT), the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE), and the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) were also present, alongside community organisations like the Progressive Civic Congress (PCC).

MMC for Roads and Transport Tlangi Mogale said that the engagement served as a follow-up to discussions held last year on December 12, where e-hailing operators raised pressing concerns.

“Their concerns included the impounding of vehicles without valid operating licences, the delays caused by backlogs in licensing applications, and the closure of the city’s Transport Operating Licensing Administration Board (TOLAB) offices where applications for operating licences are done.”

She said at the December meeting, the need for the e-hailing operators to establish a Tshwane Regional representative structure was emphasised to ensure structured engagements and communication.

“The operators were urged to reflect on this matter and to report back at the next meeting.”

Reflecting on the outcomes of the recent meeting, MMC Mogale emphasised the city’s commitment to ensuring fair and structured engagement with the sector.

“Law enforcement authorities will continue to do their work to promote public transport safety.”

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to have the GDRT Registration and Monitoring Directorate for the Tshwane region lead the democratisation process for the e-hailing and metered taxi sectors.

Mogale said this process aims to establish a unified regional representative structure.

While operators had previously requested a government-led process due to divisions among existing associations, the MMC stressed the importance of having such a structure in place.

“We remain resolute in our determination to resolve this matter and also make sure that people who are making an honest living are able to put food on the table,” she said.

The MMC also highlighted several other resolutions from the meeting.

“Operators needing assistance with operating licence applications or enquiries are encouraged to reach out to the relevant authorities, including the city’s Transport Development Division, GDRT, GPRE, and the TOLAB.”

However, Mogale issued a firm reminder that proof of application for an operating licence does not authorise individuals to begin operating until the adjudication process is complete.

“Future engagements with stakeholders will prioritise meetings with vehicle owners and licence holders rather than drivers to ensure more targeted and effective discussions.”

Mogale expressed gratitude for the broad participation in the meeting, adding that the presence of operators from outside the Tshwane region demonstrated the significance of the issues at hand.

She reiterated the department’s openness to continuous engagement with all stakeholders in the quest to improve the quality of public transport in the city.

“As the department, we are committed to resolving these challenges,” she said.

“What is important is that we make sure that we have a cohort of e-hailers who are compliant and play a meaningful role in the economic activity of the city.”

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