The situation remains tense in Soweto following a protest by residents on Thursday over disputes between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, which is believed to be the reason for a shootout at Maponya Mall that claimed the life of an e-hailing driver. A passer-by was wounded in the attack.

Two e-hailing cars were torched on Wednesday and Gauteng police confirmed that a taxi was set alight in Pimville on Thursday.

Angry residents took to the streets and blocked the entrance of the mall, saying they do not want taxi drivers to operate in the mall. They are demanding that they move from the mall within seven days.

They are also threatening to shut down the mall for seven days until its management comes up with a solution to protect shoppers, e-hailing drivers and everyone who visits the centre.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and her deputy, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have condemned the violence and criminality.

They said in a statement that criminal behavior had no place in the public transport sector, and that those responsible must face the full might of the law. 

The department said that it was addressing all the challenges affecting the public transport system and central to these issues was the persistent violence.

Gauteng roads and transport MEC Kidibone Diale-Tlabela visited the area on Thursday. While she held talks with certain stakeholders, the community was not keen to listen to her, saying they did not recognise the organisations and leaders she had consulted.

She did promise to resolve the challenges facing the community, adding that commuters have the right to choose their preferred mode of transport.

The SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) said it was deeply concerned about the lack of regulations regarding the e-hailing services sector.

“We strongly urge the government to expedite the implementation of the revised NLTA (National Land Transport Amendment Act) regulations and tighten enforcement mechanisms to protect both operators and passengers,” Santaco said in a statement.

“We urge members of the public to avoid speculation and unfounded accusations that automatically place the taxi industry at fault.”

The national Transport Department said it was currently implementing the National Land Transport Information System, which would ensure that operating licences were linked to eNATIS to eliminate the unlawful use of one operating licence for more than one taxi vehicle.

On the regulation of e-hailing services, it said the National Land Transport Amendment Act and the Transport Appeal Tribunal Amendment Act were signed into law by the President in June 2024.

“The regulations have been approved, now awaiting the second official language translation for gazetting and implementation of the Amendment Act. This will usher in a new era in the regulation of the e-hailing services,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Bolt SA has expressed shock and outrage at the incident saying: “It is appalling that anyone should lose their life simply for trying to earn an honest living.”

“We are working closely with law enforcement, government and other relevant authorities to ensure justice for the drivers who were tragically attacked while simply trying to earn a living,” Bolt senior general manager Lerato Mostoeneng said in a statement.

“We stand firmly against all forms of violence. This was not only an assault on individuals, but an attack on human dignity, livelihoods and the safety of our communities. Bolt does not condone violence of any kind.”

Mostoeneng called on the law enforcement and all stakeholders to act decisively to bring the perpetrators to book and that disputes were resolved through dialogue, and not violence.

Forensic teams are combing the scene for evidence.

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Gauteng finance MEC Lebogang Maile has pledged to improve e-hailing safety and called for urgent measures to address security concerns in the industry.

This follows damning findings released earlier this year by the gender non-profit organisation, Women for Change, which revealed widespread concerns about feeling unsafe while using e-hailing services within the city and surrounding areas.

Delivering the keynote address at the official launch of the Bolt South Africa’s Global Safety Campaign in Johannesburg, Maile said the organisation’s report revealed alarming statistics.

A staggering 73% of users reported feeling unsafe during trips, while 22% of respondents shared experiences of harassment or verbal abuse, with 8% encountering such issues on a regular basis.

The report highlighted that nearly half (48%) of participants knew someone who had been assaulted or harassed by a driver.

These insights have underscored the urgent need for improved safety measures in the industry, particularly as the country battles the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide.

Maile applauded Bolt for its commitment to addressing safety concerns and for prioritising user security.

He said that the Gauteng government fully supported the initiative and emphasised the significance of safety not only as a social concern but as an economic imperative.

“Safety is key to unlocking economic growth and fostering social inclusion in our province. The launch of Bolt’s Global Safety Campaign aligns with our efforts to create a secure and transformative environment for all users of e-hailing services,” said Maile said on Thursday.

He highlighted the province’s unique demographic and economic profile which necessitates the prioritization of safety interventions, given the province’s high population density and elevated crime rates.

The MEC also referenced a report by the African Development Bank, which illustrated that the continent’s urban population has surged by over 500 million people since 1990, with cities such as Johannesburg being at the centre of this transformation.

Maile pointed out that addressing urban mobility is crucial to supporting both the economic growth like Johannesburg and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.

“Urban mobility is not only a matter of convenience but also one of inclusivity and safety. Our cities, and particularly Gauteng, need solutions that support sustainable transport systems and safeguard the citizens who depend on them,” he said.

Maile connected the issue of e-hailing safety to the broader challenge of spatial inclusion within the province, where apartheid-era planning has left a lasting legacy of inequality.

He explained that economic activities are often concentrated in central business districts and wealthier suburbs, leaving township residents with limited opportunities for economic participation.

“We cannot separate the issue of safety from the broader objectives of inclusive economic growth and spatial transformation. A safe, reliable, and equitable transport system is essential for the development of township economies, and we are committed to ensuring that the safety of e-hailing users is integral to our developmental strategies,” he said.

The Global Safety Campaign launched by Bolt SA is designed to raise awareness about safety features and initiatives while calling for preventative measures to tackle harassment and violence.

Bolt’s efforts to address these critical issues were warmly received by the MEC, who noted that initiatives like this align with the broader goals of enhancing user confidence and ensuring that e-hailing services remain a safe and viable option for South Africans.

Maile reaffirmed the Gauteng government’s support for Bolt’s safety campaign and encouraged private sector players to follow suit in prioritizing safety and security in their operations.

The event was attended by stakeholders from across the transport and urban mobility sectors, as well as representatives from women’s rights organisations, who commended Bolt for its proactive approach to improving safety standards.

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