In recent days, South Africa has witnessed another violent incident in the public transport sector, where an e-hailing driver was killed and set ablaze, reportedly by minibus operators. This event underscores the escalating violence and tension between different transport operators.
Circumstances of the Incident
The tragic incident occurred outside the Maponya Mall in Soweto. Reportedly, a group attacked a red car that attempted to flee but was stopped, leading to gunfire. The assailants doused the vehicles in gasoline and set them on fire. The National e-Hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA) confirmed the incident, noting that another driver is severely injured.
Long-term Conflict Between Drivers
This incident became yet another episode in the protracted conflict between e-hailing drivers and minibus operators vying for control over passenger transport in Soweto. Back in June 2023, similar clashes led to injuries and the burning of several e-hailing vehicles, drawing attention to the violence plaguing this sector. The police had to hold meetings with driver representatives in an attempt to ease tensions.
Reactions from Unions and Public
NEFSA condemned the incident and accused e-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt of exploiting South African labor under unsafe conditions. The union called for urgent intervention from government agencies to address the violence in public transport. The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) also expressed outrage and called for mediation to address the root causes of conflicts between drivers.
The situation with violence between e-hailing drivers and minibus operators in South Africa continues to raise serious concerns. The need for regulation and safety in the public transport sector is becoming increasingly apparent given the rising trends of violence and the lack of solutions from authorities.
