E-hailing drivers protest in Tshwane over vehicle impoundment

JOHANNESBURG - E-hailing drivers from across Gauteng have gathered at West Park in Pretoria to protest the impoundment of their vehicles.
 
Drivers operating on Uber, Bolt and inDrive platforms took to the streets on Thursday to express their frustrations. 

Traffic on surrounding roads remains blocked as the group, supported by organisations including the political party Build One South Africa (BOSA), continues their demonstration with police monitoring the scene.

They plan to hand deliver a memorandum of demands to municipal leaders.
 
Tshwane metro by-laws stipulate operators without valid permits issued by the provincial transport department face having their vehicles impounded and paying hefty fees for their release.
 
In a statement released two days ago, the City of Tshwane claimed it was making progress in finalising a by-law designed to streamline operations for e-hailing drivers.
 
This includes regulating such services along with metered taxis as well as developing transport assessment guidelines to create a safer and more efficient working environment.
 
However, driver Wandisile Rala said they were frustrated by empty promises. 
 
“The Department of Transport refuses to issue the permits they talk about, yet they keep impounding our cars. We are beyond frustrated.”
 
The group is expected to deliver a memorandum at Tshwane House.