Tshwane’s central business district (CBD) was brought to a grinding halt on Thursday as e-hailing drivers staged a large-scale protest against vehicle impoundments.
Tshwane traffic affected by e-hailing protests
Drivers from popular platforms like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive parked their vehicles along major intersections, creating traffic congestion in and around Tshwane House on Madiba Street.
The demonstration stems from grievances over the City of Tshwane’s enforcement of permit requirements for e-hailing drivers.
Protesters accused metro police of unfairly targeting their vehicles for lacking operational permits, which they claim the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has failed to issue for years.
Wonder Gala, president of the Pretoria e-hailing association, said drivers are being left with no choice but to pay thousands in impound release fees.
“We’re forced to pay at least R6,000 when our vehicles are impounded. On top of that, some officers demand bribes of R1,000 to R1,500,” Gala said.
Many drivers are still waiting for their applications, known as “Olas,” to be processed. Some claim to have been holding onto receipts for two to three years without any progress.
The City of Tshwane acknowledged the frustrations of e-hailing drivers, citing an ongoing review of its Public Transport and Non-Motorised Transport By-law as a step toward addressing these issues.
The by-law, originally drafted in 2015, includes provisions for regulating e-hailing and metered taxi services, CBD parking management, and ranking facilities.
The revised by-law is undergoing approval by the council, with a public participation process scheduled to follow.
In a statement, the City expressed optimism about the progress, stating:
“Although it has been a lengthy process, we are taking steps to create regulations that work for everyone.”
E-hailers, however, remain sceptical of the city’s promises, demanding immediate solutions to the ongoing impoundments.
“We need action now,” said one protester, “not promises that never materialise.”