Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has urged young women and girls to be cautious when using e-hailing services.
Chikunga said e-hailing services had become a convenient and accessible form of transport, but users should take steps to reduce potential safety risks.
“The safety of women and girls remains a priority. As we continue to advocate for safer communities, it is important that young women remain alert and take necessary precautions when using e-hailing services,” Chikunga said.
The department said users should verify a driver’s identity, vehicle registration number and trip details before entering a vehicle.
It also urged passengers to share trip information with trusted family members or friends, avoid travelling alone late at night where possible, sit in the back seat, and remain aware of the route being taken.
Users should also report suspicious behaviour or safety concerns through e-hailing platforms and to law-enforcement authorities, the department said.
Chikunga said responsibility for commuter safety, particularly the safety of women and girls, did not rest only with passengers.
She said transport operators, technology platforms, law-enforcement agencies and communities all had a role to play in creating safer environments for women and girls, including persons with disabilities.
The department said government remained committed to strengthening interventions aimed at preventing gender-based violence and femicide and protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.
It said it would continue working with stakeholders across government, civil society and the private sector to promote women’s safety and advance the objectives of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
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