Drivers for e-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are expected to embark on a nationwide strike from today, 17 July.
In an interview on Newzroom Afrika, the drivers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, highlighted their concerns over safety, the high levels of commission they are forced to pay, and the low remuneration they receive for their services.
They claim that, for years, they have sent memorandums and complaints to Uber and Bolt which fell on deaf ears, and that a strike is their last form of recourse against the unfair employment practices.
They said when an Uber or Bolt driver is hijacked or killed, the companies do not verify whether the incident has really happened nor investigate it.
Moreover, for every R100 made, approximately R25 is taken as commission leaving the driver with the balance.
However, they claim that this is not enough to purchase fuel, pay for insurance and car instalments, perform services and maintenance, and still make a living, and they are therefore calling for the apps to raise their prices.
As such, Uber and Bolt drivers have now resorted to “killing [the companies] financially” by switching off the apps and refusing to take rides, in addition to derating the apps to 1 star on the Google and Apple app stores.
Their demands include a commission reduction, Bolt offices to be in all provinces, and an introduction of a cancellation fee.
Results of an unregulated industry
KwaZulu-Natal’s e-hailing Secretary General, Mnikelo Ndabankulu, said the strike action initiated by the e-hailing drivers is a result of the industry being unregulated.
“We know for a fact that the government does not love South Africans, because the reason these apps are exploiting drivers is the watchdog for citizens, which is the government, does not help us,” said Ndabankulu.
“In the UK, if you are a driver of an e-hailing car you are treated as a worker, but in South Africa, you are treated as a partner.”
He said e-hailing stakeholders have already called on the Competition Commission to regulate prices and see if they “pass the constitutional test.”
Ndabankulu concluded by saying the government is hesitant to implement regulation as it is getting “kickbacks” from companies such as Uber and Bolt, which will disappear if proper controls are put into place.
Keyword: Uber and Bolt drivers in South Africa on nationwide strike from today