Cape Town – The head of mobility operations for Sub-Saharan Africa at Uber, Kagiso Khaole, has responded to the many grievances of e-hailing drivers who went on a national three-day strike in South Africa recently, demanding that the e-hailing industry be regulated.
According to Times Live, e-hailing drivers are demanding for their needs to be met, as they grapple to deal with the high commission rates they are being charged by the e-hailing giants, Uber, Bolt and Didi.
“We are aware of a group of e-hailing drivers who are planning to protest. We take the concerns of drivers seriously and are engaging directly using our engagement channels to work towards addressing the issues. Our commitment to drivers is to continuously find ways to maximise their earning potential while meeting the needs of the riders,” the report quoted Khaole as saying.
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News24 reports that Uber currently charges 25% commission, while Bolt charges 30%, and DiDi 13%.
According to eNCA, South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) and Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) have thrown their weight behind the e-hailing drivers in cahoots with the Unity in Diversity (UID) which is representing the e-hailing drivers.
“Your exploitation in your industry is part of our challenge. Together, we must fight the capitalists, we must fight for our interests as workers. Our future is in our hands comrades,” EWN quoted SATAWU’s Zikho Tamela as saying.
The e-hailing drivers have allegedly threatened to pro-long the strike for more than the initial three days, pending the outcome of their memorandum to MEC for Gauteng Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo.
Tweeps weighed in:
we’re at the thick of this e-hailing strike.
— the new-age it girl (@ponahellno) March 24, 2022
I’ve never been this inconvenienced in my life by this e-hailing strike ?? …leng borile forever ?
— Palesa Molefe (@Pale_Mo) March 23, 2022
This E-hailing strike is such an inconvenience
— #NantsiLeSUMMER™ (@mbangalyzaa) March 23, 2022
Askies babes. Whatever you do, don’t use any form of e-hailing services. They are all on strike. https://t.co/LCqBQpLzko
— Lepara. (@MsCleopatra_) March 23, 2022
All e-hailing services prices have shot up due to national strike.
— Somelele??????? (@McFumbata) March 22, 2022
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Compiled by Odwa Shumi
