E-hailing drivers demand clarity on new Act

The National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa has criticised the government’s newly gazetted National Land Transport Amendment Act (NLTA), calling it vague, unrealistic, and reactive.

This comes after the National Land Transport Amendment Act was gazetted, officially recognizing e-hailing as a legal public transport option — a move welcomed by many in the industry — but one the Federation says lacks clarity and proper implementation strategies.

The legislation comes in the wake of the tragic death of 27-year-old e-hailing driver Siyanda Mvelase, who was shot and his vehicle set alight outside Maponya Mall in Soweto in a suspected conflict between Uber drivers and minibus taxi operators.

The incident has become a symbol of the ongoing safety crisis faced by e-hailing drivers, and it served as a catalyst for the formal introduction of the NLTA Act, aimed at improving regulation and protecting both drivers and passengers.

While the Federation acknowledges the importance of legally recognising e-hailing, its Head of Presidency, Vhatuka Mbelengwa, raised concerns about enforcement gaps, saying the Act fails to clarify which agencies or departments will ensure compliance on the ground.

He also warned that threats of heavy fines are disconnected from the reality of most drivers’ earnings — particularly as many remain stuck in administrative limbo, unable to obtain operating permits due to government delays.

“The government’s response is more reactive than proactive. What we need is a clear, fair, and enforceable framework that actually protects drivers and passengers,” said Mbelengwa.

There is also growing anxiety among drivers that the new legislation, if not properly managed, could escalate tensions between e-hailing operators and the minibus taxi industry — further jeopardising driver safety.

Mbelengwa warns that government must embrace technology and adopt a more modern, structured approach to regulating the industry.

“I think government should be better served by embracing technology quite fully and making sure they can digitize the entire process for industry participants so that they can also have oversight. We’d like to get clarity on municipalities, you know, thus far they’ve been failing in certain aspects when it comes to ensuring that there’s permits and there’s proper capacitation,” he added.

AMENDED NLTA USHERS IN e-HAILING SERVICE AS AN ADDITIONAL CHOICE OF TRANSPORT

The Act also requires panic buttons to be installed in e-hailing vehicles to help keep commuters safe and provide quick emergency response. @GovernmentZA pic.twitter.com/kIjfoDWKZ3

— Department of Transport (@Dotransport) September 13, 2025