Limpopo e-hailing drivers slam new transport law changes

POLOWKANE – Government’s recent move to formalise the e-hailing industry through the amended National Land Transport Amendment Act has sparked backlash from drivers, who say some of the new regulations threaten their livelihoods.

The Limpopo E-hailing Association (LEA) on Monday drafted a letter to parliament’s portfolio committee on transport, questioning regulations around geographical licensing restrictions, mandatory vehicle branding and the role of international app owners in shaping laws.

LEA spokesperson Aubrey Phasha said restricting drivers to operate only within approved areas undermines already slim profit margins.

“If I deliver outside my permitted area, I cannot make a return trip. That’s a direct loss,” he explained.

Phasha argued that while app owners set fares, take commissions, and run promotions, drivers shoulder fuel, maintenance and operational costs.

“What accountability do the app controllers take while making high profits, while drivers suffer?” he asked.

Phasha also warned that the law could fuel territorial disputes similar to those seen in the taxi industry. “Turf wars are inevitable. Branding vehicles with app names may make us targets in areas where e-hailing is not welcome,” he said.

Drivers further object to being forced to display app branding, calling it uncompensated advertising that could expose them to criminals and hostile rivals. According to LEA, this concern was raised both during the Taxi Lekgotla and in recent engagements with the portfolio committee but was not addressed in the final amendment.

“It seems our inputs were ignored. Branding may benefit visibility, but it puts us in danger in highly competitive areas,” Phasha remarked.